masthead
July 7, 2006
Its a Gay Life...

Mental health problem on the rise

By Navaniita Dhar | 07.06.2006

Discrimination can lead to an increase in mental health problems among gay, lesbian and bi-sexual people, according to a survey.

A team of researchers from Imperial College London, University College London and the University of Brighton found that high levels of discrimination including physical attacks and bullying could be linked to high levels of mental disorder.
17 years old John Jenkins is one such victim who became suicidal and took to self harm due to discriminations suffered in school for being a homosexual.


Psychotherapist John Hyde who runs a new mental health helpline for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community added that the research was also a base for such a helpline to come into effect. He emphasised the fact that mental health is becoming a major issue among the LGBT community.


Mr Hyde also added that to cope with the rise in mental health problem among LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, psychiatric help providers should become more efficient and sympathetic.

Gay teenagers are becoming more prone to mental health problems.