Findings from a recent survey into mental health and wellbeing reveal family members of LGBTIQA+ young people are more likely to be concerned about their young person's mental health than other families; but also much more likely to encourage their young person to seek support.
headspace's National Family Mental Health Survey found that half (50%) of family members of LGBTIQA+ young people were 'very concerned' or 'concerned' for their young person's mental health, compared to one third (30%) of family members of non-LGBTIQA+ young people.
The survey also found that about half (49%) of families of LGBTIQA+ young people described their young person's mental health as 'poor' or 'fair', compared to about 30% of other families.
The nationwide online survey of 2,059 Australians caring for 12- to 25-year-olds - including parents, grandparents, siblings, guardians and elders - aims to bring to light the mental health, wellbeing, attitudes and experiences of family members supporting the mental health of young
Australians.
The new findings correlate with headspace data that shows young people who identify as LGBTIQA+ generally have higher levels of psychological distress compared to other cohorts, and are twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts.
Encouragingly, the survey found that families supporting LGBTIQA+ young people are more likely to encourage their young person to seek help with their mental health (71% vs 41% nonLGBTIQA+), and to seek support from a medical professional (59% vs 42%), such as a GP or mental health expert.
The number of young people who identify as LGBTIQA+ seeking support from headspace continues to rise, representing close to a third of all young people headspace support, a significant proportion when considering that one in 10 Australians aged 16 to 24 are LGBTIQA+.
headspace's Chief Clinical Officer, Vikki Ryall, says the survey highlights the challenge facing families of young people, particularly those who identify as LGBTIQA+, who are doing their best to respond to their young people's mental health needs.
"Mental health services like headspace are critical for young people who identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community, as we know this cohort are significantly more likely to experience high or very high levels of psychological distress, or to experience loneliness or isolation, due to experiences of discrimination, exclusion, homophobia and prejudice.
"Supportive families play a key role in the mental health of their young people. When LGBTIQA+ young people feel fully supported in their gender identify and sexuality, they experience better mental health, higher self-esteem, and a more positive outlook on the future.
"It is promising to see that families are encouraging their LGBTIQA+ young people to seek professional support for their mental health and wellbeing.
"headspace is committed to providing safe, inclusive and affirming support for LGBTIQA+ young people and their families. With increasing numbers of LGBTIQA+ young people approaching our centres or seeking help online through eheadspace, it's heartening to know young people and their
families trust us to support them during difficult times.
"Our programs are guided by the lived experience of young people who identify as LGBTIQA+ and their families. This means that we evolve our programs and services to better meet their changing mental health needs."
Young people aged 12 to 25, as well as their family and friends, can visit a headspace centre for in-person support. Help is also available via phone (1800 650 890) and online via eheadspace.
If you're looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) are available to talk 24/7.
