OutUK's eight week series on Sexual Health for gay men continues. It's brought to you in association with the NHS. We will have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. There's also advice on dealing with Ejaculation Issues, the Male Menopause and protecting your mental health.

For this eighth and final week we talk about the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people.

Image: National Institutes of Mental Health Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Mental health problems such as depression or self-harm can affect any of us, but they are a particular issue amongst people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans. It may be linked to LGBTQ+ experiences of discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, bullying, social isolation, or rejection because of their sexuality. Other things, such as their age, religion, where they live, and their ethnicity can add extra complications to an already difficult and complex situation.

It might not be easy, but getting help with issues you're struggling to deal with on your own is one of the most important things you can do.

Talking with a therapist who's trained to work with LGBTQ+ people may help with issues such as:

• difficulty accepting your sexual orientation
• coping with other people's reactions to your sexuality
• feeling your body does not reflect your true gender (gender dysphoria)
• transitioning
• low self-esteem
• self-harm
• suicidal thoughts
• depression
• coping with bullying and discrimination
• anger, isolation or rejection from family, friends or your community
• fear of violence

Read about different types of talking therapy and how they can help.

Do not suffer in silence. You should get help as soon as you feel you need it. It's never too late to get help, no matter how big or small your problems might seem.

You could benefit from getting help if you:

• feel tired, lack energy or have problems sleeping
• feel anxious, agitate, irritable, low or depressed
• shut yourself away from people
• no longer want to do things you used to enjoy
• use alcohol or drugs to help you cope with your feelings
• harm yourself or have thoughts about self-harming
• think about suicide

If you're struggling to cope right now, contact Samaritans by calling 116 123 (open 24 hours, every day).

Samaritans offers a safe place for you to talk about whatever's on your mind, at any time.

Find out more about where to get urgent help for mental health.

Speak to a GP

Consider talking to a GP. They'll know what help is available locally and can help you decide which treatment is best for you.

When discussing your situation, try to be as honest as possible with the GP so they can suggest the best type of support for you.

Support organisations

These organisations offer mental health advice, support and services for LGBTQ+ people.

Gendered Intelligence
The organisation runs youth groups in London and Leeds for trans, non-binary and questioning young people. It also runs a peer-led support group in London for people aged 18 to 30.

Consortium
This membership organisation works to support LGBTQ+ organisations and projects around the country. Use the site's Member's Directory to find local mental health services.

LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation offers information, advice, and support services, including a Talking Therapies Programme to LGBT people.

London Friend
London Friend offers support groups and services, such as counselling and drug and alcohol support, to LGBTQ+ people in and around London.

Mind
Get information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, non-binary, queer or questioning (LGBTQIA+).

Pink Therapy
Pink Therapy has an online directory of therapists who work with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer or questioning (LGBTQIA+), and people who are gender- and sex-diverse (GSD).

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Switchboard provides a listening service for LGBT+ people over the phone, via email and online chat. It can provide you with contact details of an LGBT-friendly therapist.

Sexual Health Advice

• Sexual Health Advice - Introduction and Overview
• The MenB vaccine that helps protect against gonorrhoea
• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted