Iwaslostafter comingout.. gettinghelp wasalifeline
Scottish Association for Mental Health campaign bids to tackle childhood bullying.. as LGBT youngsters talk of their experiences Support has saved me from harm
IT’S A mental health crisis that has left thousands of young Scots anxious and depressed – with only a quarter of those affected knowing where to go for help.
The Scottish Association for Mental Health are working to highlight an issue which has left three children in every classroom experiencing mental health problems by the time they are 16.
Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.
Two in five LGBT young people consider themselves to have a mental health problem as a result of prejudice or discrimination, including bullying at school.
They face pressure to conform to gender norms and postpone coming out.
Accessing help early is important to recover or learn to manage a mental health problem.
SAMH say starting this process as soon as possible is crucial and they have urged people to join their Going To Be campaign for change.
During the last three months in Scotland, more than 6000 young people were on a waiting list to be assessed for child and adolescent mental health services.
Eating disorders, anxiety and self-harm are three mental health issues now common among young Scots, who don’t know where to turn for help.
Young LGBT people can face even more barriers when accessing support around mental health, with many concerned that health professionals will make assumptions regarding their LGBT identities.
LGBT young people have been invited to tell the Mental Health Youth Commission what health professionals can do to improve mental health services and support.
Their experiences of attempting to cope with their mental health or in accessing support will be gathered and shared with medical professionals to bring about change.
One young person involved in the Mental Health Youth Commission said: “I am recovering from depression and anxiety. I had panic attacks mainly because of bad bullying in school.
“We know that LGBT identities don’t cause poor mental health but discrimination does. Doctors should be better educated about LGBT issues and training.”
SAMH want to work with as many young people as possible to bring about change and ensure everyone can access the help and support they need.
The mental health charity are urging young people to get in touch and share their experiences, advice and suggestions. ● Join the campaign at samh.org. uk/goingtobe ART student Scott Hirst suffered from anxiety and depression for a number of years
The 21-year-old, from Dundee, is currently supported by Barry Jordan, a youth worker from LGBT Youth Scotland, who work with SAMH on anti-bullying.
Barry has also helped him access mental health services.
Scott said: “My parents weren’t too accepting of my sexuality. When I told them, my mum couldn’t speak to me for four months and my dad refused to allow me to bring a date home, saying he didn’t want it rubbed in his face.
“So, I moved away to become more independent, thinking the grass is greener. But it’s never like that.
“I was a bit lost and ended up self-harming in the first two years of university and developed an alcohol problem.
“I found Barry and he has been a lifeline, helping me to sort out my problems in a rational way, talking about what I could do, finding strategies to help prevent me from self-harm and turning to people before I turn to drink.
“There is more pressure for young people when you can’t get access to mental health services but Barry helped me get the support I need.
“I feel like I’m still getting there and I’m definitely happier with my sexuality and being gay.
“My family are also coming to terms with it, although I’m not sure they’re ready to meet a partner yet.”