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Source Being LGBTQIA+ doesn’t automatically mean you will experience a mental health problem but LGBTQIA+ people are more likely to develop a mental health problem or experience poor mental health, due to their life experiences. On this page we’ll look at issues people in these communities may face, and how you can manage your mental health as part of these communities. What it means to be LGBTQIA+LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and plus. Different people prefer the use of different acronyms as they identify themselves in different ways and some people may prefer a different term to LGBTQIA+. What does trans mean?Trans is a term that describes people who have a gender that’s different from the sex they were assigned at birth, either male, female or intersex. What does the ‘+’ stand for?The plus (+) recognises that many people don’t identify as LGBTQIA+, but do not fit into traditional categories of gender or sexuality. What is pansexual?Bisexual people may identify as ‘Pansexual’ or ‘Pan' as they feel romantic and sexual attraction to people regardless of their gender identity or sex. LGBTQIA+ and mental healthA review of studies on mental health issues in LGBTQIA+ communities found that LGBTQIA+ people are more likely to experience poor mental health or a mental illness than those who do not identify as being LGBTQIA+. LGBTQIA+ people are at more risk of suicidal behaviour and self-harm than non-LGBTQIA+ people. Gay and bisexual men are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide across their lifetime than the rest of the population. LGBTQIA+ people are 1½ times more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorder compared to the rest of the population. 67% of trans people had experienced depression in the previous year and 46% had thought of ending their life. Stonewall’s ‘Prescription for Change’ report found lesbian and bisexual women had higher rates of suicidal thoughts and self-harm compared to women in general. Of all the common sexual identity groups, bisexual people most frequently have mental health problems, including depression, anxiety disorder, self-harm and suicidality. The reasons why there are higher rates of mental health issues among LGBTQIA+ people are complex. There are many experiences that LGBTQIA+ people will often have to deal with as a minority community, such as stigma, prejudice, and discrimination. Types of discriminationExperiencing discrimination can negatively impact mental health, and there are some types of discrimination that people in LGBTQIA+ communities are more likely to face in their life experience. In the medical fieldHow members of LGBTQIA+ communities are treated and written about in the medical field has drastically changed over time, and is still changing today. Different communities have different views on what terminology should be used to describe themselves in medicine. The history of how LGBTQIA+ people were treated in medicine can still impact mental health of communities today and may influence how people trust, and access medical facilities. It’s important that LGBTQIA+ people should be able to refer to themselves medicinally in a way that they feel comfortable with. Some early medical professionals thought being lesbian, gay or bisexual was a mental illness and only in 1990 did the World Health Organisation remove homosexuality from their list of mental illness. Up until recently the International Classification of Disease listed gender identity disorders, such as people who have had gender confirmation surgery, as being a mental health disorder. The term ‘gender identity disorders’ has been removed from being within the mental health category, a positive step for the trans community as being trans is no longer medically categorised as a ‘mental illness’. Gender dysphoria today is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Gender dysphoria refers to the distress people feel when their sex doesn’t match their gender identity. When this causes a lot of distress, it can be defined as a mental disorder . There is controversy over whether gender dysphoria should be classed as a mental health disorder. Conversion therapy refers to therapy practice that aims to stop or suppress someone from being gay, or from living as a different gender to their sex recorded at birth. The government has now banned conversion therapy aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation – but not their gender identity. In the workplaceWorkplace discrimination and bullying can take place in many forms including direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Experiencing any form of bullying, discrimination or harassment at work can make you less likely to want to go to work and more likely to experience poor mental health. LGBTQIA+ employees are more likely to experience conflict and harassment at work compared to their heterosexual and cisgender colleague. A study of more than 15,000 workers found that 40% LGBTQIA+ employees and more than 55% of trans workers experienced conflict in the workplace over the last 12 months. This is compared to 29% of heterosexual and cisgender employees. The same study also found that 16% of LGBTQIA+ workers and 18% of trans employees felt mentally unsafe in the workplace. This is compared to 10% of heterosexual workers. 19% of LGBTQIA+ employees have experienced verbal bullying from colleagues, customers or service users because of their sexual orientation in the last 5 years. 5% of trans employees are made to use an inappropriate toilet in the workplace, or provided with none at all, during the early stages of transition. In schoolMore than half of younger LGBTQIA+ people experience homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying in Britain’s schools. Although many schools now teach pupils about different sexualities, lack of LGBTQIA+ education on a whole, means young people within these communities often feel isolated, fearful and targeted in school settings. Verbal, physical and sexual abuse is more commonly reported in transgender youth compared to cisgendered youth. One third of LGTBTQIA+ pupils drop out of education after 16 years of age. The impact of bullying is thought to be one of the reasons discouraging LGBTQIA+ young people from continuing their education. Nearly half of pupils who experience bullying have symptoms of depression. In younger peopleNavigating teenage years and young adulthood can impact the mental health of anybody, but young people who identify as part of LGBTQIA+ communities are more likely to face challenges and discrimination which can further impact their mental wellbeing. Young LGBTQIA+ adults are more likely to self-harm. 13% of those who identify as LGBTQIA+ who are aged 18-24 have attempted to take their own life in the last year. Symptoms of depression are more common and severe in young people who identify as LGBTQIA+. Young LGBTQIA+ adults are more likely to show symptoms of eating disorders. Hate crimesA hate crime is a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or gender identity. Being a victim of any form of hate crime can increase chances of experiencing poor mental health and can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, panic disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. The most common type of hate crime incident reported by LGBTQIA+ communities is verbal abuse. 91% of LGBTQIA+ people either didn’t report an incident of hate crime at all, or didn’t report it themselves. People said that they didn’t report the incident because they felt that nothing would happen or change, it isn’t serious enough, or it happens all the time. Transgender people are around twice as likely to experience threats of physical or sexual harassment or violence compared with the other LGBTQIA+ communities. It was found that 69% of LGBTQIA+ people who had been the victim of a hate crime experienced depression and 76% reported episodes of anxiety or panic. Experiences in lifeMembers of LGBTQIA+ communities are more likely to face experiences in their life that may impact their mental health negatively. View full article

Source Lack of motivation is a feeling we may experience from time to time as individuals. For people living with mental health problems, this can exacerbate this. From meeting up with friends to starting a new project or engaging in a hobby we know and love, it can sometimes be hard to find the motivation to actively get involved with activities that are good for your mental health. This can become even harder when we are struggling with mental health problems. Tasks that may seem simple to others, such as having a shower or making breakfast, can become overwhelming. So, we thought it would be a good idea to ask the general public for their top tips on overcoming a lack of motivation so we can share them with our online community. Read on to find out more about what the general public had to say. Break tasks in to manageable chunks Breaking tasks into smaller chunks leading up to the ultimate goal can help manage thoughts about the process. Focusing on the individual tasks needed to complete a project can help stay present and in the moment. Write down each positive thing you experience throughout the day Many people feel that writing down positive things can be handy when aiming to stay hopeful when struggling emotionally, serving as a reminder of memorable moments. This can be motivating in itself. Give yourself credit for the small things you do Notice the little things by praising yourself for each task completed - it can add up quickly! Practising mindfulness can also help you focus and appreciate every moment and the 'small' things you do, such as getting out of bed or brushing your teeth in the morning. Each evening, why don't you try noting three small wins that you have achieved that day, remembering that whatever you achieve, no matter how small, is always something to be proud of. Have some 'me time' Take time out to do more of what you love and enjoy. From sightseeing around your local city to spending time alone in a scenic park, taking time out to look after yourself can support your mental health and may provide some inspiration. Be gentle with yourself Accept the current state of how you feel, acknowledge the feeling and look for ways to reach out for support if needed. Practising self-care and being gentle with yourself can be a great help when experiencing a lack of motivation. Try to be present Remaining present and in the moment can help to focus on the now, which may help when experiencing a lack of motivation. Whether it is walking your dog or trying new food, focusing on the present moment is good. See our guide on How to look after your mental health using mindfulness for more. Attend helpful events Self-help books, courses and events are all tools that can support your knowledge of mental health - learning ways to improve your self-esteem or perhaps stay inspired may help when experiencing a lack of motivation. Ask for help Talking about your feelings can be good for your mental health. It is often the first step to overcoming mental health problems, and some people are willing to listen. Some people prefer to speak to family or friends, and others may wish to discuss their feelings with a professional. You can talk with your GP about how you are feeling. They can offer you information on support, such as treatments and counselling available. Seeking helpIf you’re considering seriously harming yourself, please get support now. If you have seriously harmed yourself or don’t feel you can keep yourself safe right now, get immediate help by calling 999 or going straight to A&E. Call your GP and ask for an emergency appointment Call NHS 111 (England) or NHS Direct (Wales) for out-of-hours to help Contact your mental health crisis team if you have one Phone a free helpline such as: Samaritansoffer a 24-hour a day, 7 days a week support service. Call them FREE on 116 123. You can also email jo@samaritans.org Shout Crisis Text Line:If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, cannot cope and need support, Text Shout to 85258. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) have a helpline (5 pm-midnight) and webchat to support men Papyrus is a dedicated service for young people up to age 35 who are worried about how they are feeling or anyone concerned about a young person. You can call the HOPElineUK number on 0800 068 4141. You can text 07786 209697 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org View full article

Source Image source,North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board Image caption, The Anchorage offers a drop-in mental health service for those in North Tyneside Jonny Manning BBC News, North East and Cumbria Published 21 July 2025 Medical bosses have opened a third mental health safe haven to provide support to people in their communities. The Anchorage, has been opened in Wallsend, North Tyneside, by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Everyturn Mental Health. Similar centres were recently opened in Ashington and Newcastle, while a fourth is planned to be launched in Whitehaven, Cumbria, later this year. Everyturn Mental Health's senior development manager, Samantha Kitula, said the charity's existing sites had shown how "vital" community-based services were to residents. "They are not only helping local people access practical mental health in the right place at the right time, but also easing pressures on other NHS services," she said. "We hope that our continued work with our partners, including the NHS, local council, and local charity and community organisations will help ensure that nobody struggles alone." Wide-ranging servicesThe Anchorage is located on Park Road and its name was chosen by residents to reflect the area's maritime heritage and the emotional and practical support it would offer. The ICB's chief delivery officer, Levi Buckley, said increasing the range of NHS mental health services in the region would allow people to get the right support when they needed it. "Safe havens offer not just help in a crisis, but also support with the problem that may have caused it, like housing, money, drugs or alcohol," he said. The centre was opened with funding from the ICB and North Tyneside Council. The council's elected mayor, Karen Clark, said: "As well as offering practical support, care and understanding, the launch of a service like this on a high street is breaking the stigma that mental health struggles should be kept hidden." View full article

Source Image source,Getty Images Image caption, One nurse says they want nature to be prescribed as a treatment Joshua Askew BBC News, South East Published 19 July 2025 Healthcare professionals are being trained to use nature in treating people with poor mental health, it has been announced. Natural England said it was funding courses so NHS staff from across Sussex could learn how to work in outdoor settings. It comes as less than half the population say they've been to the countryside or a local park recently, according to government statistics, external. "The importance of open spaces cannot be underestimated," said Sarah Davies, Natural England's principal adviser for partnerships in Sussex and Kent. "Nature can relax us, educate us, and help reduce anxiety and depression. "We know there are countless benefits to connecting with nature - it makes us feel better, physically and mentally," she continued. Relaxed and refreshedNatural England said healthcare staff reported feeling more relaxed and refreshed when outside - benefits it hoped could transfer into patient care. One senior nurse from the county, who took part in the training, said they "never realised the true impact outdoors can have on an individual and team level". "[I] hope to see it being prescribed in the future as a treatment for certain health problems," they continued. Image source,Natural England Image caption, Nearly 40 NHS staff have done the training The course, which is spread over five months and carries a formal training accreditation, suits professionals who support children, young people and adults. This includes social and youth workers, therapists and those working in family support, Natural England said. Some 36 NHS staff in Sussex have done the course since 2023. View full article

Heavy metal star Ozzy Osbourne has died, just weeks after reuniting with his Black Sabbath bandmates and performing a huge farewell concert for fans. In a statement, his family said: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love." https://news.sky.com/story/ozzy-osbourne-dies-just-weeks-after-farewell-show-13400248

Source How do I know if someone has a mental health problem?Sometimes it will seem obvious when someone is going through a hard time, but there is no simple way of knowing if they have a mental health problem. Sometimes you don’t need to know. It’s more important to respond sensitively to someone who seems troubled than to find out whether or not they have a diagnosis. Although certain symptoms are common with specific mental health problems, no two people behave the same way when unwell. You may notice changes in their behaviour or mood if you know the person well. Our A-Z of mental health provides information on various mental health problems. How can I help?There are many ways you can help a friend, relative or colleague who has a mental health problem: Talking about mental healthIt can be challenging to know what to do if you are worried about someone. When you know there is an issue, it is essential not to wait. Waiting and hoping they will come to you for help might lose valuable time getting them support. Talking to someone is often the first step when you know they are having a hard time. This way, you can find out what is troubling them and what you can do to help. Eight tips for talking about mental health1. Set time aside with no distractionsIt is important to provide an open and non-judgemental space with no distractions. 2. Let them share as much or as little as they want toLet them lead the discussion at their own pace. Don’t pressure them to tell you anything they aren’t ready to talk about. Talking can take a lot of trust and courage. You might be the first person they have been able to talk to about this. 3. Don't try to diagnose or second guess their feelingsYou probably aren’t a medical expert, and while you may be happy to talk and offer support, you aren’t a trained counsellor. Try not to make assumptions about what is wrong or jump in too quickly with your own diagnosis or solutions. 4. Keep questions open endedSay, "Why don’t you tell me how you are feeling?" rather than "I can see you are feeling very low". Try to keep your language neutral. Give the person time to answer and try not to grill them with too many questions. 5. Talk about self-careDiscuss ways of de-stressing or practising self-care and ask if they find anything helpful. Exercising, having a healthy diet and getting a good night's sleep can help protect mental health and sustain wellbeing. 6. Listen carefully to what they tell youRepeat what they have said back to them to ensure you have understood it. You don’t have to agree with what they are saying, but by showing you understand how they feel, you are letting them know you respect their feelings. 7. Offer them help in seeking professional support and provide information on ways to do thisYou might want to offer to go to the GP with them or help them talk to a friend or family member. Try not to take control and allow them to make decisions. 8. Know your limitsYou will have your own limits on the support that you can provide. And it's important to take care of yourself too. Give yourself time to rest and process what they have told you or what’s happened. Try to help them create a support network of other friends, relatives and mental health professionals who can help them too. Remember that If you believe they are in immediate danger or have injuries that need medical attention, you must take urgent action to ensure they are safe. More details on dealing in a crisis can be found below. If it is a family member or close friend you are concerned about, they might not want to talk to you. Try not to take this personally: talking to someone you love can be difficult as they might be worried they are hurting you. It is important to keep being open and honest and telling them that you care. It may also be helpful to give them information about organisations or people they can reach out to. A list can be found below. How do I respond in a crisis?People with mental health problems sometimes experience a crisis, such as feeling suicidal or experiencing their own or a different reality. You may also feel a sense of crisis, but staying calm is important. There are some general strategies that you can use to help: Listen without making judgements and concentrate on their needs at that moment Ask them what would help them Reassure and signpost to practical information or resources. Avoid confrontation Ask if there is someone they would like you to contact Encourage them to seek appropriate professional help If they have hurt themselves, make sure they get the first aid they need Seeing, hearing or believing things that no one else does can be the symptom of a mental health problem. It can be frightening and upsetting. Gently remind the person who you are and why you are there. Don’t reinforce or dismiss their experiences; acknowledge how the symptoms make them feel. How do I respond if someone is suicidal?If someone tells you they are feeling suicidal or can’t go on, it is very important to encourage them to get help. You or they should contact a GP or NHS 111. They can also contact the Samaritans immediately by calling 116 123 (UK) for free anytime. They could also get help from their friends, family, or mental health services. You can ask how they feel and let them know you are available to listen. Talking can be a great help to someone who is feeling suicidal, but it may be distressing for you. You need to talk to someone about your feelings; the Samaritans can help you. If they are planning to take their own life, please encourage them to call 999 (UK) or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress. Useful organisations and resourcesThe first person to approach is your family doctor. they should be able to advise about treatment and may refer you to another local professional. See our guide on How to talk to your GP about your mental health. Specialist mental health servicesSeveral specialist services provide various treatments, including counselling and other talking treatments. Often these different services are coordinated by a community mental health team (CMHT), which is usually based either at a hospital or a local community mental health centre. Some teams provide 24-hour services so that you can contact them in a crisis. You should be able to contact your local CMHT through your local social services or social work team. SamaritansThe Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day, in full confidence. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org . Mind InfolineMind provides information on a range of mental health topics to support people in their own area from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk . Rethink Advice and Information ServiceRethink provide specific solution-based guidance: 0300 5000 927 E-mail: advice@rethink.org . AnxietyAnxiety UK runs a helpline staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety from 9:30-5:30, Monday to Friday. Call 08444 775 774. Citizens AdviceCitizens Advice provides free, independent, confidential advice for various problems and information on your rights and responsibilities. Step ChangeStepChange provides help and information for people dealing with various debt problems. Freephone (including from mobiles) 0800 138 1111 or visit the website on www.stepchange.org. MindEdMindEd is a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults. If you are feeling like ending your life or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress. View full article

Sad. RIP