LGBTQIA+ Youth Lead The Way For Seeking Mental Health Support Says New Study By Headspace
In a recent study conducted by Headspace’s National Youth Mental Health Survey, LGBTQIA+ youth are found to be highly likely to seek mental health support from a health professional. One of the most vulnerable youth demographics is LGBTQIA+ individuals. Support institutions like Headspace, QLife, Black Dog Institute and Kids Helpline are vital to this group’s overall mental health.
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
The research shows 76 per cent of participants who identify as LGBTQIA+ said they would seek support from a mental health professional if they were experiencing a mental health problem. In many youth cases, those who are struggling turn to a support system consisting of family, peers and/or mentors. When looking at LGBTQIA+ youth, 39 per cent said they were likely to seek support for mental health from these sources instead favouring professional help.
This finding highlights the need for increased support and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth. Children who identify as LGBTQIA+ may not have the option of seeking council from their immediate circle and finding professional resources can be the safest and most appropriate option.
There are often unique challenges related to sexual orientation and gender identity for these children and having mental health professionals armed with the tools to guide and support queer youth is demonstrably vital. In the last year, Headspace reports that almost one in three young people who came to their centres identified as LGBTQIA+.
Headspace National Clinical Advisor Rupert Saunders says, “Mental health services like headspace are important for young people who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, who the survey also found were significantly more likely to report high or very high levels of psychological distress, or to experience loneliness and isolation.
“It’s heartening to see so many LGBTQIA+ young people know help is available and that they trust headspace to support them in tough times,” says Mr Saunders.
WITH WORLDPRIDE NOW IN FULL SWING, LGBTQIA+ ISSUES ARE AT THE FOREFRONT
LGBTQIA+ youth mental health is one of the most important issues discussed among the community besides battling overall discrimination. With Australia hosting Sydney WorldPride, there is a global spotlight on the nation and the importance of having such a massive platform has not gone unnoticed.
Institutions across Australia are using WorldPride 2023 as an opportunity to show their support for the LGBTQIA+ community. For example, Headspace has released Out-Spoken, a series of long-form conversations between young queer people about issues facing them.
DNA proudly supports Unlabelled, a not-for-profit company founded by Chris Glebatsas and Anthony McDonough with the mission of reducing the cases of youth suicide. Unlabelled has created a range of luxurious, ethically-sourced hand and body washes with proceeds going towards supporting Headspace, QLife, Black Dog Institute and Kids Helpline.
LGBTQIA+ youth mental health is proven to improve when these pivotal resources are made available and accessible.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, visit these resources:
Headspace
Web: headspace.org.au
Kids Helpline
Ph: 1800 551 800
Black Dog Institute
Web: blackdoginstitute.org.au
QLife
Ph: 1800 184 527
Web chat: qlife.org.au
