As we celebrate Midsumma and Pride Month, there are important conversations that need to be had around the ongoing mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community. Despite strides toward equality, many LGBTQ+ individuals continue to encounter significant obstacles in their pursuit of mental well-being. These obstacles, rooted in societal attitudes and systemic issues, underscore the importance of accessible and inclusive mental health support.
The LGBTQI+ community has a unique set of life experiences and stressors. A 2018 survey revealed that over half of LGBTQI+ individuals had experienced anxiety or depression in the past year. The daily reality of discrimination, marginalisation, and social stigma profoundly impacts mental health. In many areas, negative attitudes towards sexual orientation, gender identity, and romantic orientation remain pervasive, contributing to a climate of fear and isolation.
These pressures can erode a person’s sense of self, making it challenging to develop a strong, positive identity. Societal expectations and prejudice can lead to higher levels of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health issues within the LGBTQ+ community. Many report feeling like outsiders in their own communities, with 67% of LGBTQ+ individuals indicating they do not feel a sense of belonging.
The experiences of LGBTQ+ youth are particularly concerning. Recent research shows that 79% of Scottish LGBTQ+ youth aged 11 to 18 have experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings, a stark contrast to 36% of their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Additionally, nearly half of secondary school pupils in the UK have reported receiving little to no positive messaging about being LGBTQ+ in the past year, with over 40% feeling unsafe at school. These statistics paint a grim picture of the mental health landscape for young LGBTQ+ individuals.
The practice of conversion therapy, aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, remains a troubling issue. Despite promises to ban it, this harmful practice persists, with about 5% of LGBTQ+ survey respondents reporting they had been offered conversion therapy, and 2% undergoing it. The National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) strongly opposes such practices, advocating for diversity, tolerance, and the mental well-being of all individuals.
Hypnotherapy has emerged as a supportive tool for addressing mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community. A qualified hypnotherapist can assist individuals in overcoming negative messages and beliefs ingrained by societal prejudice. By focusing on positive suggestions and relaxation techniques, hypnotherapy helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and self-perceptions.
The National Council for Hypnotherapy offers a register of therapists who are experienced and willing to explore issues related to self-identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and the trauma that individuals may face as a result of living in a world that can be homophobic, transphobic and sexist. Working with an experienced hypnotherapist can help resolve past trauma, address anxiety and depression, and build a resilient self-concept that withstands external negativity.
Pride Month is not just about vibrant parades and celebrations; it is a time to remember the ongoing fight for equality and the importance of mental health. It’s about acknowledging the history of struggle and discrimination while also celebrating the progress made and the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Hypnotherapy can play a crucial role in this journey, offering a pathway to healing and self-acceptance.
As we move through June, honouring our LGBTQI+ friends and family, we must also take the time to recognise the continuing challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals. Providing access to inclusive mental health services, such as hypnotherapy, is a vital step in supporting the community. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues related to sexual orientation or gender identity, consider exploring hypnotherapy as a supportive option.
For more information, or to find a therapist that suits your needs, visit the NCH’s therapist finder. Taking this step can be the beginning of a journey toward improved mental health and a more fulfilling life, grounded in self-acceptance and resilience.
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
Photo by Ian Taylor on Unsplash