LGBTIQA+ mental health support in Australia

We all need support from time to time. That’s especially true if you’re someone who is experiencing bullying, discrimination or social exclusion. Unfortunately, this is a common experience for people in the LGBTIQA+ community.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, “people in LGBTQ+ communities often experience stigma, discrimination, bullying, violence and exclusion. As a result, a higher number of people in LGBTQ+ communities experience poorer social, emotional and psychological wellbeing and mental health.”  

Whether you’re currently experiencing mental distress because of stigma or discrimination about your identity or sexuality, or because of something that’s happened in the past, there is always help available.

How to manage your mental health as an LGBTQIA+ person

The report from the ABS suggests “community connectedness and positive relationships” can be an antidote to the distress stemming from the stigma LGBTQIA+ people can sometimes face.

Being around people who share your experiences can be a salve in tough times. LGBTQIA+ social groups can offer a great sense of camaraderie. These may be in the form of discussion groups, sporting clubs, or based around another type of activity you enjoy.

If you don’t have access to these types of groups in your area, consider looking for online equivalents.

If you are a heterosexual person supporting an LGBTIQA+ friend who is going through a tough time, perhaps you can find a group that is for queer people and allies, and go along together.

As general advice for keeping well, it’s worth regularly checking in with yourself to see if you are getting enough sleep, exercise, eating healthily, and following the Australian Government’s guidelines for responsible drinking. 

Read more: Healthy habits to support your wellbeing everyday

It’s also always a good idea to check in on yourself and keep an eye out for signs of stress or loneliness, to make sure these don’t snowball into something more serious.

When should you seek support for your mental health?

If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call Lifeline or the Suicide Call Back Service for urgent support.

What about if you are generally doing okay, but sometimes feel your mental health backsliding – how can you know when you need to reach out for support? As a general rule, if you have been experiencing feelings of worthlessness or have been feeling overwhelmed for a period of two weeks or more, you should seek professional support, such as from a GP, counsellor, or psychologist. 

If you are not “out” as an LGBTIQA+ person, you may feel the stress of having to keep your guard up and not living how you want to live. If this is affecting your mental health, it may be a good idea to talk through your feelings around this, either with someone close to you, someone who’s gone through the process before, or a mental health professional.

LGBTIQA+ mental health support services

Never forget that you are far from alone. In Australia, there are a range of LGBTIQA+ mental health support services available which are often staffed by fellow LGBTIQA+ people, who can relate to what you’re going through.

A national platform, such as Qlife – a counselling and referral service for LGBTIQA+ people – may be able to connect you with the right support. If you are a parent/carer of an LGBTIQA+ young person, you may like to get in touch with PFLAG, who can provide specific advice and peer support.  

Some major cities also have LGBTIQA+ pride centres that you can drop into to access support when you feel like you need it.

Here’s a quick breakdown of additional LGBTIQA+ mental health services offered across the country. QLife also has a larger directory on its website.

New South Wales

• ACON – a health service specialising in LGBTIQA+ inclusion and HIV prevention and support.
• Transhub – a digital information hub for trans and gender diverse people and their allies.

Victoria

• Switchboard – a peer support service for LGBTIQA+ people and their families and allies.
• Rainbow Door – a free service that provides support, referrals, and short-term case management to LGBTIQA+ Victorians.

South Australia

• Shine SA – a not-for-profit provider of sexual health and wellbeing services.
• Trans Health South Australia – provides resources for the trans and gender diverse community across South Australia.  

Queensland

• Queensland Council for LGBTI Health – provides health and wellbeing programs.  
• Diverse Voices – a peer support service for LGBTIQA+ people living in Queensland. 

Western Australia

• Living Proud – a provider of peer support and resources for LGBTIQA+ people across Western Australia.

Northern Territory

•  Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council – a peak non-government organisation providing access to health information and support.

Tasmania

• Working it Out – a support, education and advocacy service for LGBTIQA+ people living in Tasmanian.

Australian Capital Territory

• Meridian – a peer-led organisation that provides LGBTIQA+ health and social support services.
• A Gender Agenda – an advocacy and peer support group for trans, intersex and gender diverse people.

If you need urgent support, contact the below helplines:

• Lifeline – call 13 11 14, text or chat online.
• Suicide Call Back Service – call 1300 659 467.
• Beyond Blue – call 1300 22 4636, email or chat online.
• 13YARN – call 13 92 76 for support for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Being LGBTIQA+ is joyful, too

It's important to remember that anyone can experience periods of mental distress in their lifetime, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status. Belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community does not mean that happiness or social connection is out of reach. On the contrary, it’s hard to find a more vibrant, joyful and proud community than the LBGBTIQA+ community. But for the times when you are experiencing mental ill health, it’s good to know that there are support options available to you – and an entire community who has your back.