Beyond Blue welcomes the result of today’s Australian Bureau of Statistics survey.
The result of the postal survey demonstrates there is broad community support for marriage equality.
“For Beyond Blue this has always been a mental health issue,” said Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman.
“Different views about marriage equality will remain, but this is a time for everyone to be respectful of others’ opinions, to take care to look after your own mental health and to look out for those you care about.
“If you or anybody has been affected by this process or the debate – to this point, or in the future – call the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au.”
In 2015 Beyond Blue issued its Love Doesn’t Discriminate statement by the Board of Directors.
We did this because discrimination and exclusion have consequences:
- LGBTI people experience higher rates of depression and anxiety, and are at greater risk of suicide, than the broader community.
- Same-sex attracted Australians are three times more likely to experience depression, and twice as likely to experience an anxiety condition, than heterosexual Australians.
- One in six LGBTI young people has attempted suicide.
“These mental health outcomes are not due to people’s sexuality or gender identity, but because of the discrimination and prejudice they too often face,” Ms Harman said.
Love doesn’t discriminate and neither does Beyond Blue.
Visit www.beyondblue.org.au to find out more about:
Support is also available at QLife – 1800 184 527 – from 3pm to midnight (ADST).
Mental health professionals are available at the Beyond Blue
Support Service via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via
www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3pm-12am ADST) or email responses within 24 hours.