Research has that young members of the LGBTIQ+ community are significantly more likely to experience mental health difficulties than other young people. Anxiety and depression form parts of our day-to-day realities — due to a complex intersection of reasons including (but not limited to) notably higher statistics of emotional, physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, and early schoolyard bullying.
Let’s take a quick look at the receipts. According to LGBTIQ+ young people aged between 16 and 27 are five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual counterparts, while transgender people aged 18 and over are nearly eleven times more likely. The list goes on, with 41% of gay or bisexual people over 16 meeting the criteria for a mental health disorder in the past 12 months, and 37.1% of LGBTIQ+ people over 16 reporting treatment for a mental disorder in the past three years.
This is why it’s so important that we take the time to look after ourselves and each other.
We are not alone. We are loved. We are supported.
The . We are gorgeous, and glorious and together we will link arms and survive whatever is thrown our way both now and in the future.
For anyone who may, understandably, be struggling to cope at the moment — or just need a friendly someone to chat with — there is help available for you. Like, right now. Help is only ever a phone call or message away. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Here is a list of some of the services readily available to members of the Australian LGBTIQ+ community.
1. Twenty10
Source: Twenty10
Twenty10’s specialised staff and volunteers offer personalised support, information and referrals to LGBTIQA+ people of all ages, their families, professionals and communities across NSW. Their groups and services are all FREE, confidential and respectful. You can call them in Metro areas of NSW on 02 8594 9555 or in rural areas (free call) on 1800 65 2010. Alternatively, there are also social support groups and youth counselling options available.
2. QLife
Source: QLife
QLife is Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTIQ+ people, offering peer supported telephone and web based services between 3:00pm and midnight every day of the week, all around the country.
3. Lifeline
Source: Lifeline
Maybe you’re not LGBTIQ+, or maybe you are but simply feel more comfortable contacting an organisation which isn’t queer-specific. No matter what's going on, Lifeline is always one call away.
5. ACON
Source: ACON
Fees for these appointments are negotiated according to your circumstances, with priority given to people on low incomes or with limited options.
6. Drummond Street Services
Source: queerspace
Drummond Street Services is a not-for-profit family support agency that provides counselling and support to LGBTIQ+ people and their families. Through their queer space and youth service programs, DSS offers a range of helpful initiatives including individual, couple and whole-of-family counselling — as well as pathway programs to assist with those at risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug use.
7. Minus 18
Source: Minus 18
8. Headspace
Source: headspace
Headspace has also developed some great alongside Rainbow Network and are always more than happy to assist those who are struggling as a result of their sexuality and/or gender experience.
