Helping others get peace of mind

The recent news of multiple suicides by young gay men in the United States is heartbreaking, but is it really that surprising?

As we mark Mental Health Week across Australia this week, it’s important to acknowledge that we have similar devastating stories from our own part of the world. Often we don’t hear about them or they don’t get recognised for what they truly are.

It continues to horrify me that so many young gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people continue to be bullied at such distressing levels that death seems like the only option to relieve their pain.

Sometimes it can be easy to forget the pain of adolescence, along with the guilt and shame young people are often made to feel. Being a teenager is hard — being a gay or lesbian teenager can be brutal.

Mental health issues are not only the province of youth. There are too many examples in our own communities, across all age groups, where feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety and loneliness prevail.

The AIDS Council of NSW (ACON) and other agencies have long been advocating for GLBT mental health issues to be given greater priority. Thankfully, the focus on mental health by state and federal governments has increased in recent times. However, the money for programs for GLBT people is yet to flow at sufficient levels.

Of course, we cannot rely solely on government and health agencies to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. As both individuals and a community, we need to look after our own. Whether we’re at the pub, at the beach, at work, at home or on the internet, we need to think about what we say and how we treat each other. We also need to take the time to respond to people when they’re in need.

This is what we mean when we use the term ‘culture of care’. The worth of any community can be measured by its capacity to look after its most vulnerable and marginalised people. The events of past weeks should serve as a reminder that we all need to work hard at caring for ourselves as well as each other.

For GLBT people who may be experiencing mental health issues, ACON provides free and confidential counselling as well as a range of therapy and support groups. For more information, freecall 1800 063 060 or email [email protected]

info: Nicolas Parkhill is the CEO of ACON.