Written by: Melissa Juzva

Spotlight on LGBTIQA+

A disproportionate number of those who identify as LGBTIQA+ experience poorer mental health outcomes.

Although many LGBTIQA+ Australians live healthy and happy lives, research has shown that a number experience poorer mental health outcomes and have a higher risk of suicidal behaviours than their peers.

Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination

Often, these mental health outcomes are directly related to experiences of stigma, prejudice, discrimination and abuse on the basis of being
LGBTIQA+.

Mental Health Outcomes

  • 63.8% of LGBTIQA+ young people aged 14 to 21 reported having ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
  • LGBTIQA+ young people aged 16 to 17 are five times more likely to attempt suicide.
  • Transgender young people aged 14 to 25 are fifteen times more likely to attempt suicide.

Support is Available, see:

Minus18

https://www.minus18.org.au

Queerspace Youth

Rainbow Network

https://www.rainbownetwork.com.au/resources

Reach Out

https://au.reachout.com/articles/lgbtqi-support-services

*Data obtained from Snapshot of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Statistics for LGBTIQA+ People, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, April 2021

 

About the author
Melissa Juzva
Melissa is an Educational & Developmental Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor. Melissa’s career as a psychologist has involved work in all sectors of education in Victoria and as such she believes it is imperative to work closely with schools to assist them in supporting the young people she works with.
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