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.
On this page
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Find LGBTIQ+-affirming mental health support
You don’t need to wait until you feel really bad to ask for help. If you’re feeling alone, sad or uncertain, or if things feel unsafe or overwhelming, help is just a click or a call away.
Here are some services that aim to be safe, inclusive and affirming of who you are.
These support services are confidential. You can reach out to them without worrying about your privacy.
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.
Stories from the LGBTIQ+ community
– 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.
