Research has shown that lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTQI+) young people are over two-and-a-half times more likely to have a mental health problem than those who identify as heterosexual. Being LGBTQI+ does not mean that a young person will have a mental health problem - the majority of LGBTQI+ young people do not, and many feel they can cope with the ups and downs of everyday life. However, identifying as part of the LGBTQI+ community can lead to unique challenges in growing up and as an adult including fears about coming out, worries about being accepted by friends and family, and the impact of prejudice and discrimination.
Our new resource, LGBTQI+ mental health, explores some important topics in relation to being a member of the LGBTQI+ community. It provides advice for LGBTQI+ young people on where to go to get additional support for mental health problems should they arise.
This resource was created by Anna Freud Centre staff following a survey of and workshops with LGBTQI+ young people including Young Champions from the Anna Freud Centre. Our LGBTQI+, Anti-Racism and Accessibility Working Groups also reviewed the resource. You can view an infographic of this process here.