Emotional and Mental Health Impacts
For many young LGBT people, coming to terms with being different and coping with the turmoil that comes with identifying oneself sexually as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender is incredibly hard. The fear of disapproval from family and friends compound the feelings of isolation. In 1996, a Kidscape survey identified short and long-term effects of homophobic bullying on LGBT young people. These included:
Short term effects on young people of school age:
— Loss of self confidence
— Diminished self esteem
— Becoming withdrawn and nervous
— Being unable to concentrate
— Beginning to do badly in academic work
— Truancy
— School phobia
— Suicide
Long term effects on mental health and social development of LGBT people:
— 40% of respondents reported attempting suicide on at
least one occasion
— insecurity in long term relationships
— flashbacks and nightmares
— levels of anxiety, depression, hostility higher than normal
— seeking psychiatric help
There are a range of links to further information and help with all the issues above at the top of this page. We also have a links page for these and other organisations.
