beyondblue and other health agencies to tackle mental illness in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) communities

beyondblue: the national depression initiative has committed to work with others to address the high prevalence of mental health problems in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex community.

The commitment includes a range of strategies and the development of more research and information materials for these communities.

The announcement follows an Australia-first roundtable discussion in Melbourne, attended by 60 stakeholders and representatives of the GLBTI and mental health community.

Speakers at the roundtable discussion included Executive Director of the National LGBT Health Alliance, Gabi Rosenstreich, Chair of the Victorian Ministerial Advisory Committee for GLBTI Health and Well-Being, Rowena Allen, headspace Clinical Manager Vikki Ryal, Director of Gay and Lesbian Mental Health Victoria A/Prof Anne Mitchell and Karen Price, Director of Policy and Research at the Aids Council of NSW (ACON). Deputy CEO of beyondblue, Dr Nicole Highet also presented.

Melbourne-based beyondblue blueVoices representative, Claire Duffield, gave a moving presentation about the many challenges and prejudices she endured as a young lesbian woman with untreated depression.

The discussion at the forum focussed on highlighting the issues and proposing solutions and ideas for all areas of the GLBTI and mental health community to work together to reduce the suicide rate and address homophobia - a strong risk factor in the development of depression, anxiety and related disorders.

beyondblue CEO, Leonie Young, said it was a much-needed discussion with a positive result for all involved.

The outcome of the roundtable discussion was an action plan and agreement for closer collaboration between the GLBTI community and mental health agencies.

The five priority areas for action, confirmed by beyondblue CEO Leonie Young are: 

• awareness campaigns in partnership with GLBTI organisations that highlight the prevalence of depression and disabling effects of stigma and discrimination
• shining the spotlight on those groups most at risk, primarily young GLBTI people living in rural Australia; and also working with older people in association with the Council on the Ageing (COTA)
• promoting the personal experiences of GLBTI people with depression, anxiety and related disorders and encouraging other organisations to do the same
• conducting and promoting research to examine the risk factors for depression and anxiety in bisexual and other GLTI people, as well as identifying treatments and interventions that work and for whom
• continuing the dissemination and sharing of materials and resources (i.e. fact sheets, research findings, contacts, primary care reforms etc.) with all GLBTI and mental health stakeholders to ensure consistent communication.

A second roundtable discussion will be held late 2010 to discuss progress in these areas.

The plan builds on the work beyondblue has done over the past 12 months in identifying the issues with a scoping study and producing information material aimed at reducing risk factors for depression and anxiety in the GLBTI community.

Executive Director of the National LGBT Health Alliance, Gabi Rosenstreich, said the event exceeded her expectations.

"I'm very pleased with the firm commitments that beyondblue has made as a first step," she said. "It is great to see beyondblue taking proactive steps to work in partnership with community organisations to improve the mental health of sexuality, sex and gender diverse people.

"Discrimination is the key factor contributing the poor mental health outcomes of our communities. Combating homophobia and transphobia and building the resilience of sexuality, sex and gender diverse people are the initiatives we need to focus on to make a real difference."

Chair of the Victorian Ministerial Advisory Committee for GLBTI Health and Well-being, Rowena Allen, said the outcome of the meeting was "very positive".

"I think it was a fantastic day with all the leaders in this field, with terrific tangible outcomes. It was a great gathering space. If we can work proactively on the list and develop initiatives as a result, there will be extra things that develop along the way."

Read more about beyondblue's work with the GLBTI community.