DEALING WITH SEXUALITY
Struggling with your mental health because of your sexuality? Here’s some steps you can take:
Talk to someone
Opening up about what you’re experiencing is a good way to lighten the load or lessen the burden you’re feeling. You shouldn’t feel ashamed of how you’re feeling – it’s out of your control and a reflection of something much bigger than yourself. Sharing how you feel with someone who understands you or has similar experiences can help to make you feel less alone.
Speak to your GP or medical professional if your mental health concerns are taking over your life
If you’re struggling to get on with your life as a result of your mental wellbeing you should talk to someone about how you’re feeling. You can find out more about mental health issues and conditions here.
Find support groups and communities to share your experience
It can be tough to talk to someone about your sexuality if they have no understanding of what it feels like to go through it. Join a support group in real life or online can provide a place to let off steam, discuss your feelings in a safe space, and feel validated and listened to.
Report it
While you may feel that discrimination and judgement based on your sexuality is all around us, it is illegal or against the rules in most places and scenarios. Learning about your rights can help you feel more empowered when faced with injustice. You can also join groups who campaign for change, which is another way to take back control and feel better about what you’ve been through. Find out more about your rights here.
It’s not your job to fix homophobia
If things feel overwhelming, remember it’s not up to you to fix homophobia. Discrimination of LGBTQ+ people is a problem that spans generations, classes, cultures, countries, and even continents. You are not responsible for educating or fixing every discriminatory or offensive thing you see, and trying to would be a huge burden. It’s our collective responsibility as a society to build an equal society, but right now, it’s important that you look after yourself.