Homophobic or transphobic discrimination can often lead to mental health difficulties for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI+).
How therapy can help
Getting help with issues you may be trying to deal with on your own is one of the most important things you can do.
It may help to talk to a trained therapist such as a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist.
Talking with a therapist who's trained to work with LGBTI+ people may help you with:
- difficulty accepting your sexual orientation
- coming out
- coping with other people's reactions
- feeling your body does not reflect your true gender (gender dysphoria)
- transitioning
- low self-esteem
- self-harm
- suicidal thoughts
- depression
- hostility or rejection from family, friends or your community
- fear of violence in public places
- bullying
- relationship problems
How conversion therapy is harmful
'Conversion therapy' is any type of harmful practice which aims to change your sexual orientation or identity.
It can include:
- spiritual methods - for example, prayer healing, exorcisms, and religious counselling
- psychological counselling - with someone who says they can help you change your sexual orientation or identity
There is no evidence that sexuality or sexual identity can be changed.
Conversion therapy can cause serious psychological harm. The people who do conversion therapy believe it's based on science. But it's not.
If you have experienced conversion therapy and need to talk about it, contact the LGBTi+ helpline on freephone: 1800 929 539.
Getting help
You do not have to deal with any mental health difficulties on your own. Get help as soon as you feel the need. It's never too late or too soon to get help, no matter how big or small your problem might seem.
You could benefit from getting help if you:
- feel tired or lack energy
- feel tearful
- shut yourself away from people
- no longer want to do things you usually enjoy
- use alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
- harm yourself or have thoughts about self-harming
- have thoughts about taking your own life
If you're finding it difficult to cope right now, freephone the Samaritans on 116 123. They offer a safe place for you to talk about whatever's on your mind at any time. The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day.
Talk to your GP
Talk to your GP about how you are feeling. They will know what help is available and can direct you to the right services.
When discussing your situation, try to be as honest as possible so they can find the best support for you.
Supports for LGBTI+ people and their families
You can get the following support if you are LGBTI+.
LGBT Helpline
The LGBT Ireland Helpline is a non-judgmental and confidential service for LGBTI+ people and their family and friends.
Freephone: 1800 929 539
Website: lgbt.ie
The Switchboard
The Switchboard offers listening, support and information to all areas of the LGBTQI+ community, including families, friends and allies.
Freephone: 01 872 1055
Website: theswitchboard.ie
Young people
BeLonGTo Youth Services has a variety of supports and information for young LGBTI+ people and their families.
Website: belongto.org
Intersex support
An intersex person is someone who is born with biological characteristics that do not fit traditional definitions of male or female.
Online information and support for intersex people is offered by:
Transgender support
Transgender people are people whose gender identity is different to the sex they were assigned at birth. The Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) has information and support for trans people.
Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI)
Support for gay men
Gay Project provides help and advice to gay men.
Asexual support
BelongTo provide free crisis counselling and support for anyone who is asexual.
General information
The following organisations offer information, personal stories and advice for LGBTI+ people and their families: