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LGBTIQ+ mental health support and resources

At Beyond Blue, we welcome and support all people with warmth and respect. We know that everyone’s mental health journey is shaped by their own experiences, identities and connections.

This page is for LGBTIQ+ people, supporters and families. Here you’ll find inclusive mental health information, resources and support.

Two women looking at each other in LGBTIQ+ flag

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Call a counsellor

Get free, confidential phone counselling any time of the day or night.

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Chat to a counsellor online

Experienced online counsellors are here 24/7 at our free Webchat Support Service.

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Call Triple Zero (000) for emergency services

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Call Lifeline on 13 11 14

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Call Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

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Find a safe space in the Beyond Blue Forums

"Sexuality is highly personal. Whether we feel like we connect with a certain label, or drift between labels is something that we can only determine ourselves."

– from a Forums discussion

Connect with others who get it. Wherever you are, whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone. There’s a caring community here to support you.

Join the Forums

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Your right to be you

You might feel pressure to fit into other people’s ideas of gender or sexuality. But your identity, your feelings and your journey are what make you, you.

Whether you’re exploring who you are, expressing your truth, or loving who you love, you deserve to be seen, respected and cared for. The world is richer and more beautiful because of the diversity you bring.

It’s normal to feel unsure or worried sometimes, especially if you’ve faced:

Bullying or being left out
Family or friends not accepting you
Stress from hiding your identity
Barriers in systems that are meant to support you, like school, work, health or legal services

These experiences can cause extra stress that builds up over time. This can feel even harder if you also face racism, ableism or other forms of discrimination.

It’s important to remember that you have rights, and you have support to ensure that you can live freely and safely in good health.

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What the statistics say about lesbian, gay and bisexual people and mental health

We know that (as of 2023):

Three in four of all LGB+ people (74.5%) had experienced a mental condition at some time in their life (compared with 41.7% of heterosexual people)
Of all LGB+ people, nearly three in five (58.7%) had a 12-month mental disorder (compared with 19.9% of heterosexual people)
Half of people who identify as LGB+ experienced an anxiety condition in the past 12-months. That’s almost three times the rate of the overall population

^{National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022,}^{Australian Bureau of Statistics.}

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How discrimination and stress can affect your mental health

LGBTIQ+ people can experience higher rates of depression and anxiety. This is because of stigma, discrimination and unsafe environments, not because of who you are.

Hard experiences can stay with you. Trauma, violence, rejection, child abuse, harassment, gender dysphoria, and thoughts of suicide or self‑harm can have a lasting impact on your wellbeing. Public debates about LGBTIQ+ issues can add pressure. These experiences are real, and they deserve care, safety and compassion.

Some people face other types of discrimination, like racism or discrimination against those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Others may have unsafe homes, schools or workplaces, or find it hard to get gender‑affirming or inclusive mental health support.

Over time, these pressures can make it harder to keep a safe place to live, study, find work or feel financially secure. This can have a big impact on how you feel.

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Experiences of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions for LGBTIQ+ people

Many people experience depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions at different times.

These feelings can show up in your thoughts, emotions, and body.

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You might recognise some of these experiences:

Feeling on edge because of judgement or misunderstanding
Hiding parts of yourself to avoid negative reactions
Dealing with being left out or treated differently in everyday spaces
Navigating tense or unsupportive family relationships
Managing discomfort or distress around gender (dysphoria) for trans and gender‑diverse people
Facing social isolation or losing friendships and connections
Struggling to find inclusive mental health support that understands your identity

Learn more about depression and how to get support Learn more about anxiety and how to get support

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Everyday things that can help

Many things can affect your mental health and wellbeing. Some may feel out of your control.

But there are ways to find balance and joy.

Here are some things you can do to feel better, stronger, and more supported:

Look for supportive, positive people and spaces, places where you feel you belong.
Connect with safe spaces at school, work or online so you know you’ve always got somewhere to go.
Look for and learning about positive role models and LGBTIQ+ history and culture. It can help you feel proud and connected to your community and give you a sense of what’s possible.
Talk to a mental health professional who understands LGBTIQ+ experiences.
Get involved in advocacy or activism. It can be empowering and you’re helping create positive change.
Think about what you can do to care for yourself. This might be exercise, mindfulness, hobbies, good food and rest, music, being in nature, or anything else that gives you energy and joy.

Whatever helps you feel grounded and proud, make space for it, because you deserve it.

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Our PACE: Daily wellbeing app helps you focus on what’s good for you

Beyond Blue’s free PACE wellbeing app is a practical tool for taking care of yourself, day-to-day, in ways that make sense to you.

Try it out

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Our counsellors are always here for you

If you’re not sure what kind of support you need, Beyond Blue’s Support Service is a safe and inclusive place. Our counsellors will listen and point you in the right direction.

Call a counsellor Chat to a counsellor online

Illustration of couple hugging with cloudy thoughts

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LGBTIQ+ discrimination law in Australia, and your rights

Many LGBTIQ+ people are more accepted and visible today. But discrimination and harassment still happen, and they can take a real toll on wellbeing.

In Australia, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 makes it unlawful to discriminate based on a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status. Knowing this is important for protecting your wellbeing, especially during mental health challenges.

Discrimination can show up in different ways, including:

Obvious acts of prejudice and discrimination (like a transgender person being denied a job or a promotion)
More subtle yet harmful discrimination that strengthens negative stereotypes and feelings of difference, like using 'gay' as an insult

Experiences like these can affect your mental health and make it more likely that you might need support.

How to report LGBTIQ+ discrimination Explore the Australian legal and policy framework related to human rights

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Two people seated at a table indoors, engaged in conversation. One gestures with a pen while the other listens, with a small vase of flowers on the table between them

Stories from the LGBTIQ+ community

"Talking to someone else … was really the turnaround for me. That first conversation I had … I remember going home afterwards and just going ‘I'm not the only one that feels this stuff."

– Sean

It can be a powerful help to hear from people who've been through or are going through the same thing you are.

Many LGBTIQ+ people have shared their stories with us. They’ve talked about tough times, the support that helped them feel seen, and the strength they found. Their stories show us that no one should face stigma, identity issues, or tough times alone.

Read and watch stories from LGBTIQ+ Australians about courage, hope and connection

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How to support LGBTIQ+ mental health

Do you know someone who’s struggling?

Families, friends, and supporters help LGBTIQ+ people feel seen and valued.

We have some practical advice and resources to help you support their mental health journey.

Learn how to support someone

Two Men Posing for Photo in LGBTIQ+ flag

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FAQ: Your questions about LGBTIQ+ mental health, support and staying strong

What mental health challenges affect LGBTIQ+ people?
How can I find LGBTIQ+‑affirming support?
How can I find an LGBTIQ+-affirming counsellor in Australia?
What resources does Beyond Blue provide for LGBTIQ+ mental health?
How can I connect with LGBTIQ+ peer support communities?

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Make wellbeing a part of your every day

Learn more about the PACE app

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Subscribe to receive info about mental health, keeping well and stories from our community.

Subscribe to newsletter

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LGBTIQ+ mental health support and resources

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On this page

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Beyond Blue's Support Service is here for you

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Call a counsellor

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Chat to a counsellor online

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Crisis and urgent help

Call Triple Zero (000) for emergency services

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Call Lifeline on 13 11 14

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Call Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

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Find a safe space in the Beyond Blue Forums

– from a Forums discussion

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Understanding LGBTIQ+ mental health

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Your right to be you

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What the statistics say about lesbian, gay and bisexual people and mental health

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How discrimination and stress can affect your mental health

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Experiences of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions for LGBTIQ+ people

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You might recognise some of these experiences:

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Looking after your mental health and wellbeing

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Everyday things that can help

Here are some things you can do to feel better, stronger, and more supported:

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Our PACE: Daily wellbeing app helps you focus on what’s good for you

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What is inclusive LGBTIQ+-affirming care?

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Our counsellors are always here for you

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QLife peer support and referrals

MindOut

Rainbow Families

Black Rainbow

Alice's Garage

TransHub

Minus18

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LGBTIQ+ discrimination law in Australia, and your rights

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Stories from the LGBTIQ+ community

– Sean

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How to support LGBTIQ+ mental health

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FAQ: Your questions about LGBTIQ+ mental health, support and staying strong

What mental health challenges affect LGBTIQ+ people?

How can I find LGBTIQ+‑affirming support?

How can I find an LGBTIQ+-affirming counsellor in Australia?

What resources does Beyond Blue provide for LGBTIQ+ mental health?

How can I connect with LGBTIQ+ peer support communities?

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Make wellbeing a part of your every day

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Subscribe to receive info about mental health, keeping well and stories from our community.

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LGBTIQ+ mental health support and resources

On this page

Beyond Blue's Support Service is here for you

Call a counsellor

Chat to a counsellor online