Dr Pavan Joshi
Anyone can experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, alcohol & drug misuse, and suicide thoughts, but LGBTQIA+ people experience these issues more frequently.
Being LGBTQIA+ does not cause these problems. However, several experiences LGBTQIA+ people have, like discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, social isolation, rejection, and difficulties related to coming-out and social acceptance, can have an impact on their mental health.
In addition to this, unfortunately many South Asian communities have a higher stigma towards mental health difficulties and mental illnesses.
GIN LGBTQIA+ network routinely organises events to support well-being through connections, communication, and activities focussed on well-being, such as ‘Saathi’. For further information on these events, please follow our newsletters and our social media: Meetup, Twitter and Instagram
Helpful resources and references for mental health and wellbeing:
World Health Organisation describes mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in”.
NHS - 5 steps to mental wellbeing
NHS - Mental wellbeing tips
Mind.org - Understanding mental health for young people
Mind.org - Looking after you wellbeing for young people
NHS - Mental health issues
Mind.org - About mental health problems
NHS - Self help
NHS - Mental wellbeing tips
Ming.org
NHS - Every mind matters
Healthy London - Urgent support lines
NHS - Where to get urgent help
Contact Samaritans
Papyrus UK
The Calm Zone
Mindout
Mind.org - LGBTQ+ Mental health
NHS - Mental health support for LGBTQ+
Rainbow Mind
Resources for trans and non-binary people
MindLine Trans+
Gendered Intelligence - Mental health and trans people
Groups - GIN, SARBAT, IMAAN, Hidayah, British Asian, Naz and Matt, GIN- Saathi
British Asian LGBTI
What if I need to see a counsellor?
How can I find a psychotherapist?
How can I find a psychiatrist?
Black and Asian Therapists Network
How can other people be supportive?
Every mind matter - supporting others
Commentary, advice and other materials posted on this website are not intended to amount to advice on which reliance should be placed. We do not accept any liability or responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such materials by any visitor to this site, or by anyone who may be informed by any of its contents.
GIN LGBTQIA+ network is not responsible for any external websites and their contents.
To the extent permitted by law, the GIN LGBTQIA+ does not accept liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage incurred by a user in connection with their use or inability to use this site and the information on this site, the results of their use of this site, any site linked to or from this site or any material posted on this site, including without limitation any liability for loss of profits or contracts, loss of business, loss of income or revenue, loss of anticipated savings, loss of data, loss of goodwill, or loss of time, howsoever arising and whether caused by tort (including negligence) breach of contract or otherwise, even if foreseeable.