The HSE leaflet Looking after your mental health, for LGBT+ people provides advice on a myriad of mental health problems, covering issues that include coming out, isolation, harassment and bullying, losing a spouse and relationships.
NOSP (the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention) posted a quote from the leaflet on Twitter: “The stress sometimes associated with being LGBTI+, as well as everyday stress, can make you feel alone, angry, tired or withdrawn. These feelings are normal and usually pass. However, if they become overwhelming or don’t go away, they could be signs of a mental health problem”.
The stress sometimes associated with being LGBTI+, as well as everyday stress, can make you feel alone, angry, tired or withdrawn. These feelings are normal and usually pass. However, if they become overwhelming or don't go away, they could be signs of a #mentalhealth problem. pic.twitter.com/puTZzr1yO2
— HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) (@NOSPIreland) August 14, 2019
The leaflet is a crucial base for anyone uncertain about where to go for support. It highlights the importance of getting exercise, diet and sleep.
Suffering from mental health problems can be an incredibly disorientating time, creating uncertainty in where to go for help. The leaflet aids in the process by being clear and concise. These are some of the signs of mental health problems highlighted:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Excessive and undue worry
- Significant mood changes
- Low self-esteem
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
For those struggling with self-harm and suicide, the leaflet gives the following advice: “You are not alone, and there are people who can help you to work through your problems, no matter how difficult they appear to you. By speaking to someone, whether friends, family, or a professional, support can be found in the toughest of times.”
BelonG To, LGBT Ireland, TENI, and the Samaritans are examples of the support networks listed in the leaflet.
“Asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of personal strength. Everyone needs help from time to time, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for it”, the leaflet advises.
For more information, you can find the leaflet at the following link: https://www.healthpromotion.ie/hp-files/docs/HSP01266.pdf.
If you were affected by any of the issues highlighted in this article you can reach out to the following:
LGBT Helpline
T: 1890 929 539 | W: www.lgbt.ie
TENI Helpline (Transgender Support)
T: 085 147 7166 | W: www.teni.ie
Gay Switchboard
T: 01-872 1055 | W: www.gayswitchbaord.ie
Pieta House (Self-Harm/Suicide Support)
T: 01-6010000 | W: www.pieta.ie | E: [email protected]
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
Support GCN
GCN has been a vital, free-of-charge information service for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
During this global COVID pandemic, we like many other organisations have been impacted greatly in the way we can do business and produce. This means a temporary pause to our print publication and live events and so now more than ever we need your help to continue providing this community resource digitally.
GCN is a registered charity with a not-for-profit business model and we need your support. If you value having an independent LGBTQ+ media in Ireland, you can help from as little as €1.99 per month. Support Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.
comments. Please sign in to comment.