HEALTH LGBT and the toll of discrimination

EQUALITY MATTERS As a result of discrimination, LGBT people experience poorer mental health than their heterosexual counterparts.


Mental Matters
Jannah Walshe

This year has seen much talk and debate around gay rights with the recent marriage referendum, and LGBT is an acronym everyone is becoming more familiar with. Standing for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, it’s used as a blanket term for anyone whose sexual orientation falls into these categories.
One of the things that struck me in the discussions surrounding the marriage referendum was this idea of ‘them’ and ‘us’. Of course we must recognise that there is difference between all people, but this does not mean that there has to be a difference in how a person is treated.
I have hesitated to write about LGBT issues, as I feel by doing so is to further separate LGBT as something different with its own separate issues and ways of coping. This is not my aim, as any of the mental health issues I commonly write about can apply to anyone regardless of their sexual orientation. Stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and so on do not discriminate. But the reality is that many LGBT feel, worry about or are subject to discrimination.
For LGBT people it is this sense of somehow being distinct from the norm that can serves to highlight and accentuate mental health issues for them. Common feelings an LGBT person can experience include confusion, low self-esteem and anger and frustration.
Most questions around sexuality start during the teenage years. This already confusing time is made all the more difficult if you are uncertain of your sexual orientation. Some people are very sure of their sexuality, be it LGBT or otherwise. But for others it is not always so straightforward, and they may spend many years questioning and discovering what their sexuality is. To add this, a person can be confused as to why this is happening to them and about what is the best thing to do, especially in relation to telling other people.
Low self-esteem can affect an LGBT person if they have heard many negative comments around what it is to be LGBT, or they have experienced bullying. Self-esteem is about how you feel about who you are as a person, and for an LGBT person, this may not be positive if all they have ever heard or experienced has been negative.
It is very common for an LGBT person to feel anger and frustration towards themselves, towards others who don’t understand or support them and towards the situation in general. This anger can either be turned inwards and the person will criticise themselves for their feelings or will be turned outwards onto others.

Coming out
LGBT people of all ages can still experience difficulties ‘coming out’ mainly because of a fear of rejection. It often takes years of turmoil before a person does come out. This is a very isolating experience and can further compound poor emotional health.
In contrast, coming out can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience which in itself can improve mental health, but it is worth preparing beforehand. Consider some of the following: Think about who you want to come out to. Think about the location and timing of where and when you are going to come out. Will you be able to talk privately and uninterrupted? If you are worried about a negative reaction, choose a location where you feel safe. People will react in different ways. Give them some time to take in the news. Sometimes parents are unsure of how best to support their child and may need some support or advice themselves. There are a lot of organisations out there to help families with this.

Support
As a result of discrimination, LGBT people have been found to experience poorer mental health than their heterosexual counterparts. Headstrong’s My World Survey indicated that young people who identify themselves as LGBT are more likely to experience mental health difficulties, such as feelings of depression, anxiety and stress, than those who describe themselves as heterosexual. If you or someone close to you is struggling with any LGBT issues make sure to get help. Talk to another LGBT person, a friend or family member, counsellor; call the LGBT helpline on 0890 929 539, or visit www.lgbt.ie, www.spunout.ie, www.belongto.org or www.lgbtmentalhealth.ie.

Jannah Walshe is a counsellor and psychotherapist based in Castlebar and Westport. A fully accredited member of The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, she can be contacted via www.jannahwalshe.ie, or at info@jannahwalshe.ie or 085 1372528.