Happy World Mental Health Day from stem4! With this year’s theme being ‘Mental Health for All’, we’ve decided to focus on (and celebrate) LGBTQ+ & BAME mental health, because we cannot have ‘mental health for all’ without mental health for the communities most vulnerable to mental ill-health.
This year, every young person across the UK has faced countless challenges, from long enforced periods at home and the uncertainty of unpredictable exam results, to unstable working arrangements, a lack of employment opportunities, university lockdowns and ever-changing, school, college and university-specific COVID-19 restrictions. These challenges have left all young people more vulnerable to mental ill-health than ever. On top of this universal challenge, however, young people who are members of LGBTQ+, BAME and other minority groups could be at further risk. Indeed, statistics prior to COVID-19 show mental ill-health tends to be more common in non-heterosexual young people (34.9% of non-heterosexuals aged 14-19 vs 13.2% of heterosexuals*). With only a fifth of BAME people feeling ‘very able’ to speak to people about their mental health*, and BAME communities more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act (CQC, 2018) rather than be diagnosed with a mental health issue, the ability of vulnerable groups to reach for help may also hinder progress towards positive mental health. With the pandemic only exacerbating inequalities in our society, there has never been a better time to focus on mental health for vulnerable groups.
So, what is it like to be a young person who is LGBTQ+ or BAME today? Does it affect your mental health, positively or negatively? We’ve spoken to young LGBTQ+ & BAME people to find some answers, bringing their inspiring stories to the forefront of the conversation and providing hopeful solidarity for young members of BAME, LGBTQ+ and other minority groups across the UK.
Can being LGBTQ+ or BAME have a negative impact on mental health?
“Being a LGBTQ+ person who also struggles with their mental health can be really difficult,” says Elena. When you are still figuring out your identity, it can cause a lot of confusion, as Kayleigh explains “Before accepting my sexuality, it was intense. I was sad all of the time, wondering why I was feeling the way I was. I was my own problem which made things really tough.”
Indeed, it seems that being LGBTQ+ can create an internal, and often long-lasting, struggle for self-acceptance and love, as Mil and Edi explain “Figuring out your identity can be some of the scariest and most isolating points in your life”; “Being LGBTQ+ has definitely brought challenges with regards to feeling accepted, and I often worry about expressing myself authentically”.
However, it is not just internal dilemmas that affect the mental health of these communities, as Josh comments, “Each passing day, it grows more and more apparent how unequal society is if you are BAME or if you are queer. Many of the things that we are fighting for now, we have been fighting for for years. It can be overwhelming at times when across all levels of society – from Government to our schools, to our public figures to our peers – seem to take pride in debating our real experiences and, often, very existence. That’s draining.”
Where being both LGBTQ+ and BAME meet, this struggle for acceptance both internally and externally can seem even harder, as Liv explains “Being a Black queer woman is phenomenal but sometimes isolating. Navigating both intersections while battling mental health issues can be a draining process and it has been hard finding support that recognises the importance of this identity.” This is reinforced by Rose, who says, “Being both mixed race and bisexual, I have sometimes felt caught in the middle of two worlds, not fitting into being either straight or gay, or black or white. When I was around 16 before coming out, I felt extremely isolated and anxious, to the point where I started having panic attacks that left an ongoing legacy on my life.” In many ways, as the statistics suggest, it’s clear being LGBTQ+ or BAME can have a lasting impact on mental health.
Can being LGBTQ+ or BAME have a positive impact on mental health?
Being LGBTQ+ or BAME, however, is by no means always negative in terms of mental health. Having a community of people around you can help you to face adversity, as Elena explains “The resilience and support of the LGBTQ+ community has allowed me to thrive and remain in recovery despite all the challenges we’ve faced this year”. Aman agrees, noting the way others have helped her through difficult periods, “I’ve found it so reassuring to spend time with supportive and understanding people. Finding support from like-minded individuals is a great way to help navigate through the hard times”.
Having a support network of people who understand you has also made a big difference to the lives of people like Edi, who said, “I have great LGBTQ+ friends and allies who help me feel loved and valid”. Mil elaborates on this feeling, saying, “When you begin to reach a place of self acceptance and you find people who love you endlessly it’s so liberating and freeing”. Being surrounded by those who have really understand you and can relate to the way you feel may therefore have a truly positive impact on the mental health of young people; “I wouldn’t change who I am for the world now” said Rose, echoed by Liv who said “The biggest way I found support for my mental health and wellbeing that recognised my identity, was through solidarity with other LGBT people of colour.”
It’s not just the acceptance from others that can help though, as Kayleigh says, “Once I accepted it [my sexuality], it was the best feeling ever. I felt so comfortable with myself and the more time went on, the happier I felt being me. So, all in all, being LGBTQ+ has had a really positive impact on my mental health as I don’t feel so confused anymore.”
Even if you feel like you haven’t quite found your community yet, Pasha says there is always support out there waiting to find you, “Always remember you are never alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those who love and support you. Admitting when you are hurting or feeling helpless or alone shows strength and courage, not weakness. We often put so much pressure on ourselves to constantly put on a brave face and ignore how we’re really feeling, but you need to give yourself a break.” Liv agrees, encouraging young people to seek out support; “I’d always encourage LGBT people of colour to find their communities because knowing you’re not alone in this world, and in your experiences, is one of the most uplifting things ever.”
Is there hope for LGBTQ+ and BAME mental health?
Having experienced both the ups and downs of being LGBTQ+ and BAME, Josh believes there is reason to be positive about the future “We are making progress – and not just superficial progress. Change is happening and it is fuelled by our communities and allies alike. We have the opportunity to shape both the conversation and the outcome. When you feel overwhelmed and feel like the whole world is against you, just know that there are people fighting – in their millions – for people just like you to no longer just exist, but thrive, be safe and have opportunities that many in our community have been denied”.
Edi feels similarly hopeful, recognising that we are all unique and deserving of love; “To any of my LGBTQ+ siblings who are finding things difficult, my advice is to seek support. Whatever your sexual orientation and gender identity, you are valid, you are loved, and you are worthy. Life would be so dull if everyone was the same”. Pasha also believes that we should be proud of ourselves as individuals, saying “Take credit and celebrate the fact that you have already overcome so many trials that have shaped you into the resilient, unique and beautiful person you are today – no one can take that away from you.” Even if you don’t have it all figured out yet, Kayleigh says you can still be yourself; “Stay strong, believe in yourself and don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Labels can be so pressuring. You don’t need to live up to anyone’s expectations of what it takes to be a person… You are your OWN person and you should embrace it”.
It might not be a smooth ride, but by reaching out and remaining hopeful, every LGBTQ+ and BAME person can achieve positive mental health, as Aman says, “It’s not at all easy to pour out your innermost feelings to others but there is absolutely no shame in admitting you are in need of help or support or just someone to talk to. There is always someone who will listen and want to help you! It can take time but it’s a process, just take it one step at a time.”
This article included views from LGBTQ+ & BAME individuals including those from Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage, as well as those from each Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans communities. A big thank you to all those who participated.
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For mental health tips & advice, check out our ‘worried about’ section of the website. If you are immediately concerned about your mental health, contact numbers for childline, The Mix, and more can be found here.