LGBTQ are Suffering from Mental Health Related to Emotional Issues

World Mental Health Day was founded in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. The purpose of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues, increase education on the topic and attempt to eliminate the stigma attached. It is hoped that this, in turn, will encourage sufferers to seek help and support.

Mental health issues, ranging from issues like depression and anxiety disorders to conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), affecting millions of people around the world. In fact, according to the recent statistics, 1 in 4 people will experience some form of mental health difficulty.

Today, I would just like to touch on the topic of LGBTQ. LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (or queer). 

Photo credit to ADAA

Understandably, in the face of our traditionally strict, conservative & restrictive culture, most of them are deeply ashamed of their inclination and choose to hide in the dark, fearing unkind treatment and persecution for their 'abnormal or unacceptable' lifestyle. 

This self-isolated and continuous fear of being ridiculed & rejected by friends, family members and society has caused many of them to be suffering from mental health-related to emotional issues. In some serious cases, can even drive them to end in suicide.

Admittedly, everyone of us has our own personal sexual preference and desire, as well as private sexual orientation and gender identity. The normal sexual orientation is who are we romantically or physically attracted to? The gender identity is the deep internal sense of being male, female, TB or etc; which is very different from your biological sex. 

LGBTQ are those who are having a different sexual orientation or gender identity. This does not mean that they are abnormal in nature. But, your unkind or cruel word or criticism may cause them to hide their true self, which may indirectly cause them to live in isolation or 'abnormal' life.

According to statistics, the bisexual, transgender and the younger members of the LGBTQ communities have the highest rates of mental health concerns within the LGBTQ population. Based on the Mental Health America report, one study even found that LGBTQ people seek help for mental health services at 2.5 times higher rates than the heterosexuals. This could be associated with LGBTQ people's experience of discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, bullying, social isolation, or rejection because of their sexuality.

Our message for the LGBTQ:

- We know that this is not easy, but getting help to overcome what you are struggling now is one of the most important things you need to do. We would like to suggest that you seek early help from a therapist to help you in your struggles and help you to cope with your predicament. 

Mental health support

http://befpen.org/help-support/gay-lesbian-bisexual-and-transgendered-glbt-youth

https://www.facebook.com/gratitudemalaysia/

Hotline:

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564

The GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): (800) 246-7743

'Coming Out Day' encourages LGBTQ people everywhere to stand up in the spirit of self-acceptance and be identified as who they are, and thus reclaiming your rightful place in the open society and live with a sense of pride & dignity.

Come and let us help create awareness of their struggles and helping them overcome the injustice and judgemental attitude of the cruelty committed against the LGBTQ community.

If you are heterosexual, you can also participate and use this day as an opportunity to let people in the LGBTQ community know that you support them and that you emphasise with them. Let this be the day of mutual respect in humanity and unity in diversity. 

The following are the 3 suggested tips to support our LGBTQ friends

1. Be patient, do not force your opinion on them.

Respect their way of life by giving them space to adjust to the general communal way of life in their own way and in their own time. If you think that someone you know is LGBTQ, do not openly identify them or pressure them for affirmation. In most instances, if you approach them with sincerity, love & respect, they will share their inner-self with you.

2. Unconditional love & friendship.

It's not easy to let people know they are LGBTQ. It is very private, painful and, inwardly, it can get be really lonely. In such sites, suggest you support them by including them in your activities and plans, treating them as if in a normal relationship/ friendship. 

Do not treat them feel as if they’re of a different kind of like someone you wish to hide or trying to distance them from your normal social circle. 

Remember, they are fully aware of their situation and most of them are very sensitive and can be easily hurt upon hearing unkind remarks or confronting with a judgmental attitude. Beware, good intention, but the wrong approach may be counterproductive and can have negative connotations.

3. Show Empathy, Be Active & Attentive in listening 

Be a good listener. Be attentive when listening to your LGBTQ friends, especially when they need to vent their anger or sharing their unpleasant experiences, or crying out about injustices done against their community. Listen to them not just with your ears but with your sincere heart. A kind, sincere and empathetic heart can mean a lot to them.

More love, less pain!

More understanding, less mental issue!

Look for a therapist to overcome your struggles? Click here.

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Reference:

Malay mail - Feeling isolated, stressed and depressed, more LGBTQ individuals seek mental health support

https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2019/07/22/feeling-isolated-stressed-and-depressed-more-lgbtq-individuals-seek-mental/1773608

Jade See - LGBT people need safe mental health services

https://m.malaysiakini.com/letters/474184

Queer Lapis - Are you an LGBTQ+ Affirming Mental Health Practioner in Malaysia?

https://www.queerlapis.com/lgbtq-affirming-mental-health-survey/