LGBTQ THERAPY - About LGBTQ Mental Health

Some of us identify as LGBTQ. This means we may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning. Anyone can experience a mental health problem. Stonewall's most recently report shows the rates of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions among LGBTQ people. One in seven LGBTQ people (14%) have avoided treatment for fear of discrimination because they're LGBTQ. Those of us who identify as LGBTQ are more likely to develop issues like:

- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal feelings
- Other mental health problems

Being LGBTQ does not cause these problems. The reasons why those of us with LGBTQ identities are more likely to get them are very complicated. But it is most likely to do with facing things like homophobia, stigma, discrimination, difficult experiences of coming out, social isolation, exclusion and rejection.
It's important to remember that embracing your LGBTQ identity can also have a positive impact on your wellbeing. It might mean you have:

- Increased confidence
- Improved relationships with your friends and family
- A sense of community and belonging
- The freedom of self-expression and self-acceptance
- Increased resilience.

Source: Mind and Stonewall

How to seek help for a mental health problem
There are also many amazing mental health organisations in the UK that are doing incredible work to reduce the stigma of mental illness and spread accurate and helpful information about mental health issues and promote mental wellness. If you're experiencing mental health problems or need urgent support, there are lots of places you can go to for help. We compiled a list of the top mental health organisations in UK who are doing their bit to improve the mental health of all LGBTQ in the UK. Check out the list below.


LGBT Counselling Services
Leading professional counselling service for the LGBT community in the UK. The practice offers counselling and psychotherapy for those identifying as LGBT looking to address their emotional needs.
www.lgbtcounsellingservices.co.uk

The Tavistock and Portman
Support for children who have a trans parent, and whose difficulties are related to their experience of their parent’s gender identity or transition.
www.tavistockandportman.nhs.uk

Gay Man Therapy
www.gaytherapy.co.uk

LGBTQ Therapy for Anxiety - LGBT Therapist

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a medical test or job interview. During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal. But some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives. Anxiety is the main symptom of several conditions, including: panic disorder phobias, such as agoraphobia or claustrophobia post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) social anxiety disorder (social phobia) The information in this section is about a specific condition called generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is a long-term condition that causes you to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than 1 specific event. People with GAD feel anxious most days and often struggle to remember the last time they felt relaxed. As soon as 1 anxious thought is resolved, another may appear about a different issue. Source: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/overview/