LGBT+ mental health

We see you.

‘LGBT+’ is an umbrella term to include anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, non-binary.

While there can be some crossover, we know that LGBT+ people exist as individuals, and may have very different experiences.

That said, we know that if you identify as LGBT+, you may be more likely to experience mental health challenges. This can be because you’re experiencing discrimination, bullying, harassment, or a lack of acknowledgement for your identity.

Being LGBT+ does not cause mental ill health. The reasons why those of us with LGBT+ identities are more likely to get them are very complicated. But it is most likely to do with facing things like stigma and discrimination, difficult experiences of coming out, social isolation, exclusion and rejection.

These issues can lead to, or worsen, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and feelings of isolation.

Suffolk Mind is here for you.

Our services are open to anyone over the age of 18.

We are committed to learning and raising our awareness, so we can better support people who face discrimination – be that because of their gender identity, sexuality, or anything else.

We are also here for you for all aspects of your mental health, not just in relation to your gender identity or sexuality.

If you are seeking to make sense of gender incongruence, we will listen impartially and give you space to explore.

We offer help on a self-referral basis with a range of mental health services, including counselling and CBT, late-night telephone support, and trauma therapy on request.

Thanks to grant-funding, we can offer free telephone counselling sessions for those who identify as LGBT+. Simply select ‘Counselling’ then ‘LGBTQ’ from the drop-down menu on our self-referral form.

Click the button below to self-refer, or scroll down to explore other ways we can help you and your mental wellbeing.

Support for non-LGBT+ people

Seeing someone being themselves is a wonderful thing, but we know that friends and family of LGBT+ people sometimes need help too.

This can be because you’re struggling to accept someone who has come out, or you’re now questioning your own identity.

Our services are also open to support your mental health, which can in turn help support that of your partner, relative, friend or colleague.

How are you feeling?

Suffolk Mind are keen to hear about your experiences, to broaden our understanding of LGBT+ people.

If you have a few minutes to spare, please complete our short Emotional Needs survey. Suffolk Mind uses this anonymous data to identify needs within the county to help us develop our services, and to support people further.

You can also join us as a Friend of Suffolk Mind, for free. You will be invited onto our complementary The Essentials (formerly Suffolk’s Needs Met) course, which will give you a better understanding of your Emotional Needs and Resources.

If you have any questions about what we do, or need further support, please contact our local team on 0300 111 6000 or info@suffolkmind.org.uk

If you or somebody you know is in crisis, please call 999 or 111 option 2, or visit A&E.

Gender pronouns at Suffolk Mind

At Suffolk Mind, declaring gender pronouns is encouraged for anyone who wishes to. Find out more.