health&beauty
OUT OF
MIND
mental health for
lesbian and bisexual women
Psychological issues affect large
numbers of LGBT individuals.
Theresa Heath looks at the issues
involved, and explores some of the
support which is on offer.
A recent study by Stonewall found that one in Of course, many young LGBTs do have supportive
five lesbian and bisexual women had deliberately families and friends, but for those who don’t,
useful info
harmed themselves in the last year, compared adolescence can be extremely difficult. As Lizzie,
to 0.4% of the general population. The same 26, says: “Growing up, I didn’t feel like I could
study showed that 16% of those under 20 had participate in the things other girls were excited PACE
attempted suicide, and 25% had an eating disorder about. There was nobody to talk to and, despite Counselling, coaching, family support, training,
(compared to 0.12% and 5% of the general being close to my parents, they really wouldn’t advocacy, workshops and general advice.
population). This makes for alarming reading. Just have understood.” 34 Hartham Road, London N7 9JL
why are lesbian and bisexual women more likely Tel: 020 7700 1323
to suffer with a mental health problem than their Luckily, organisations like PACE are now working Email:
info@pacehealth.org.uk
straight counterparts, and what is being done about it? with mental health providers to develop services
for the queer community. This is partly motivated Stonewall
Ruth Hunt is Head of Policy and Research at by the shocking results of a survey which found Working for equality and justice for lesbians,
Stonewall. She believes that problems often begin that 17% of NHS therapists had tried to ‘cure’ gay men and bisexuals.
in school: “Stonewall’s Teacher’s Report shows gay patients. This is hardly surprising when you Tower Building, York Road, London SE1 7NX
that homophobic bullying is still highly prevalent consider that the World Health Organisation Info line: 08000 50 20 20
in schools; 90% of secondary school teachers only declassified homosexuality as a mental illness Email:
info@stonewall.org.uk
reported that pupils were bullied because they in 1992!
were gay or suspected of being gay.” It’s not London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
just pupils doing the bullying, either. Ms Hunt Getting the health service to understand the unique Helpline.
explained: “Thirty per cent of lesbian and gay pupils needs and experiences of the LGBT community is Tel: 020 2837 7324 Text phone: 020 7837 7606
interviewed said that adults were responsible for key. At present, half of lesbian and bisexual women
homophobic incidents in their schools.” are not ‘out’ to their GP’s because they are afraid London Friend
93
of a negative reaction. This affects the type of Counselling and support services.
Tim Franks is Chief Executive at PACE, a charity help they receive. For this reason, Stonewall has General helpline: 020 7837 3337
that specialises in providing counselling and support developed the Love Your Inner Lesbian campaign,
to the Queer community. He agrees that growing which encourages lesbian and bisexual women to London Women’s Therapy Network
up can be a tough time for young LGBTs: “We take better care of themselves, and to feel more Counselling and therapy in north and south London
grow up being different, and by about 10 or 11, confident when talking to their GP. It also aims to for individuals and couples.
lesbian and bisexual girls will have got the idea that present positive images of queer women. So far, Tel: 0207 249 7846 or 0208 692 6920
they’re one of the ‘different people.’ This can be a the campaign has met with encouraging results.
www.londonwomenstherapynetwork.co.uk
traumatic and isolated time where you don’t know
who is ‘safe’ – family, school, friends… it can feel like Perhaps most difficult of all, we also have to face
Life Coaching and
a terrible secret that you’re living on your own with.” up to the problems within our own community.
counselling professionals:
Minority groups are forced to spend so much time
Jenny Sladen
Shockingly, of the young women who attend defending themselves from outside attack that it
Tel: 01273 463723
youth workshops at PACE, one in four have already can be difficult to accept the problems within. But
www.jrslifecoaching.co.uk
attempted suicide. Without help, problems often it’s only by tackling these issues and learning to
continue in to later life – it’s an uncomfortable fact love ourselves that we can hope to present positive Royden King
that gay/bi women are four times more likely to be role models to the next generation of young queer Tel: 07988206104
alcohol dependent than straight women. women – they really do deserve it. Email:
roydenza@gmail.com
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