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Navigating Mental Health Challenges in the LGBTQIA+ Community: A Call for Support
Jan 31, 2024
Holly Geddes

The LGBTQIA+ community is resilient, vibrant, and diverse, yet its members often grapple with unique mental health challenges stemming from societal prejudices, discrimination, and the ongoing fight for acceptance. 


In this article, we explore LGBTQIA+ mental health disparities and take a look at what community members and their allies can do to improve mental wellness and foster a more supportive environment.


What is the reality of LGBTQIA+ mental health?


Daily discrimination, microaggressions, and the fear of rejection can lead to heightened stress levels for individuals who feel they need to conceal their identity or navigate the complexities of coming out. These aggressions can be intersectional, including workplace discrimination, healthcare disparities, and the lack of legal protections, and has led to higher levels of anxiety and depression amongst the community. 


In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), LGBTQIA+ individuals are nearly three times more likely to experience a mental health condition than their heterosexual counterparts, and the Trevor Project (2022) found significantly higher rates of suicide contemplation in the community.


However, research indicates that communities with higher levels of social support and mental health resources show lower rates of mental health disparities, fostering a healthier and more resilient collective (Williams Institute).


So, what can LGBTQIA+ Community Members and Allies do?


Create a safe support network

If you are lucky enough to have trusted friends or family you can turn to, forming a support group for yourself or your LGBTQI+ loved one can further enhance a sense of community and understanding, offering a space for shared experiences and mutual encouragement. If you’re not sure who to turn to, consider exploring online forums, LGBTQ+ social media groups, or local organisations where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Studies show that higher levels of disclosure to others can lead to higher self-acceptance and therefore less instances of distress, fewer depression symptoms, and higher psychological wellbeing overall (Camp et al., 2020). 



Prioritise Mental Health

Make mental health a priority by seeking professional help when needed. LGBTQIA+-affirming mental health professionals can offer specialised support tailored to the unique challenges faced by the community. In fact, the National LGBTQI Health Alliance found that a majority of individuals from the community aged 14 to 21 who had accessed any professional counselling or support service 

past 12 months reported that the support service resulted in their situation improving. 


Australia has a range of LGBTQI-focused mental health services including ACON Pride Counselling, Queerspace, and QLife. If you need urgent crisis support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or if you would like to access private or Medicare-funded mental health sessions, we recommend contacting We Lysn.   




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Understanding and Recognising Mental Health Struggles in Australia's Younger Generation

By Katherine Nestor • 28 Apr, 2024
Mental health struggles among the younger generation in Australia have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Identifying these challenges early on is crucial for providing timely support and intervention. In this article, we will explore how to recognise signs of mental health issues in young people, drawing insights from various Australian studies. Awareness of Common Mental Health Disorders: According to research conducted by the Black Dog Institute, Beyond Blue, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse are among the most common mental health issues affecting Australian youth. Understanding the symptoms associated with these disorders is essential for early recognition. Changes in Behavior: One of the key indicators of mental health struggles in young people is noticeable changes in behaviour. This may include withdrawal from social activities, a decline in academic performance, irritability, mood swings, or increased sensitivity to criticism. A study by Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, highlights the significance of paying attention to these behavioural changes. Physical Symptoms: Physical symptoms can also signal underlying mental health concerns. These may manifest as changes in sleep patterns, appetite disturbances, unexplained aches and pains, or frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches. The Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing emphasises the importance of considering physical symptoms alongside psychological indicators. Peer Relationships and Social Withdrawal: Difficulties in peer relationships and social withdrawal are common manifestations of mental health struggles in young people. Studies by the Telethon Kids Institute and the University of Melbourne have shown that bullying, peer pressure, and feelings of loneliness can significantly impact mental well-being. Observing changes in the quality of friendships or reluctance to participate in social activities can provide valuable insights. Academic Performance and School Attendance: Mental health issues often have a profound impact on academic performance and school attendance. Research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) suggests that young people experiencing mental health challenges are more likely to struggle academically and have higher rates of absenteeism. Monitoring changes in academic engagement and attendance can help identify those in need of support. Risk-Taking Behaviours: Engaging in risky behaviours such as substance abuse, reckless driving, self-harm, or unprotected sexual activity can be indicators of underlying mental health issues. Studies by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) and the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health, and Society (ARCSHS) highlight the correlation between risk-taking behaviours and psychological distress among young Australians. Recognising mental health struggles in the younger generation is crucial for providing appropriate support and intervention. By being aware of common symptoms and risk factors, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals can play a vital role in identifying those in need of assistance. Australian studies provide valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of mental health issues among young people, guiding efforts to promote mental well-being and resilience in the community. We Lysn accredited mental health professionals can see patients from 12 years of age, and bulk-bill those under the age of 21.* If you would like to book to see our professionals for yourself or your child, get started today.

4 Easy Ways to Be Creative When You’re Feeling Uninspired

By Katherine Nestor • 01 Apr, 2024
Engaging in creative activities can serve as a therapeutic outlet, but can be particularly hard when you’re feeling run-down or too busy with life’s demands. However, creativity is vital for our mental health, as it helps us to regulate our focus, improve our memory, and encourages a relaxed brain-state comparable to meditation! That’s why we have researched four simple, scientifically-proven ways to get creative when you’re unmotivated or uninspired: 1.Doodling There’s no pressure to be Van Gogh or Monet; simply sitting down with a pen and paper to draw without a particular end product in mind can automatically stimulate creativity. Creativity writer Charlene Lewis explains that doodling combines conscious awareness and daydreaming, which requires a certain amount of mental relaxation and enables you to come up with new creative ideas. 2. Cooking Getting creative while cooking can be as simple as cutting up your carrots differently, or plating up a meal in a different style than usual. This is because cooking encourages divergent thinking, which in intelligence research, means you can be aware of multiple different methods to come up with a single product, which requires creativity. We are also happy to report that eating can increase creativity too, when we take time to savour the multi-sensory experience through taste, touch, and smells (Wang et al., 2021). Next time you sit down for a meal, slow down and acknowledge the sensations of different food pairings to stimulate your creative mind. 3. Decorating your home A trip to IKEA or a scroll through home decor Pinterest boards can inspire creativity more than you would expect! Home decor window-shopping stimulates your imagination by allowing you to picture how certain items would look and feel in your home. This also has additional benefits like increasing your familiarity with your own personal expression and inspiring new ideas. Additionally, neuroscientist Moshe Bar reports that a room’s lighting, furniture type, and colour, can significantly affect our mood, focus, and creativity, so it’s definitely something to pay attention to. (Scientific American Mind, 2009). 4. Puzzle-solving If you struggle with letting go of your logical mind, don’t fret! Doing logical tasks such as crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, and sudoku can engage a problem-solving mindset which can lead to creative thinking. Neuroscientist Dr Mark Beeman says that completing puzzles shifts the brain into a more playful state that requires imagination, inference, and guessing - all of which are skills that use and strengthen creativity! Taking the first steps to improve your well-being can be challenging and unclear if you are facing mental health problems or other daily challenges. We recommend getting some personalised guidance from a mental health professional, such as our trusted team at We Lysn. For valuable, evidence-based help in a confidential setting, head to www.welysn.com to get started today.

Supporting Loved Ones and Colleagues on World Autism Awareness Day for Better Mental Health

By Katherine Nestor • 01 Apr, 2024
World Autism Awareness Day, observed on April 2nd, provides an opportunity to reflect on the unique challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum and to promote empathy, acceptance, and understanding. In the realm of mental health, supporting a loved one or colleague with autism involves fostering an environment that values neurodiversity and prioritises well-being. Here's a guide on how to provide meaningful support to those on the autism spectrum, contributing to a more inclusive and mentally healthy community. Educate Yourself: The first step in supporting a loved one or colleague with autism is to educate yourself about autism spectrum disorder. Understanding the unique strengths, challenges, and preferences of individuals on the spectrum will enable you to approach interactions with sensitivity and awareness. Knowledge is a powerful tool for breaking down misconceptions and building a foundation for meaningful support. Practice Empathy: Empathy is a cornerstone of effective support. Recognise that individuals with autism may experience the world in ways that differ from your own. Cultivate empathy by actively listening, observing, and trying to see things from their perspective. Acknowledge their feelings and validate their experiences, creating a space where open communication can thrive. Foster Clear Communication: Effective communication is essential for any supportive relationship. Individuals with autism may have unique communication styles or preferences. Be patient, use clear and concise language, and consider alternative communication methods such as visual aids or written instructions. Encourage open dialogue, allowing your loved one or colleague to express themselves comfortably. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment: Many individuals with autism may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Creating a sensory-friendly environment can make a significant difference in their comfort and well-being. Consider factors such as lighting, noise levels, and the overall atmosphere in both home and workplace settings. By making simple adjustments, you can contribute to a more inclusive and accommodating space. Be Flexible and Accommodating: Flexibility is key when supporting someone with autism. Recognise and accommodate their needs, whether it's adhering to a routine, providing advance notice of changes, or offering breaks during overwhelming situations. Flexibility demonstrates understanding and helps build a supportive atmosphere. Encourage Social Inclusion: Social inclusion is crucial for mental health and well-being. Encourage and facilitate social interactions, understanding that the approach may need to be tailored to individual preferences. Foster a supportive community by educating friends, family, and colleagues about autism and promoting an inclusive culture that values diversity. Advocate for Accessibility: In both personal and professional settings, advocate for accessibility measures that support individuals with autism. This includes advocating for reasonable workplace accommodations, promoting inclusive education, and supporting initiatives that promote equal opportunities for all. World Autism Awareness Day serves as a reminder that fostering a supportive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum contributes to a more inclusive and mentally healthy society. By educating ourselves, practising empathy, and making simple adjustments, we can build bridges of understanding and create spaces where everyone feels valued and accepted. As we celebrate this awareness day, let us commit to promoting the well-being of our loved ones and colleagues with autism, fostering a world where diversity is embraced and celebrated.
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