Depression

LGB young people are more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem due to society’s attitudes towards their sexuality. Services around the country have seen an increase in LGB young people who have been identified by workers as suffering from depression, eating disorders, self harm and suicidal feelings. Working in groups with these young people may not be appropriate and workers need to make an assessment of the client, and explain the purposes of the group clearly.

Many LGB young people have benefited from attending groups for peer support. LGB young people can identify with these feelings and can offer valuable shared experience, which can assist in dealing with mental health problems.

Successful work has also meant providing ongoing one to one support for workers, and offering more formalised counselling to those who request it. LGB young people respond well to one to one sessions if they can be accessed quickly (though it is often difficult for young people to maintain appointments regularly). Offering a listening or befriending service can benefit lgb young people whilst waiting for formalised counselling to begin. It must be made clear to the client that as a worker you are not entering into a counselling contract and that workers feel able to get the support from managers and their team for this work.

Workers need to be clear of their limitations and recognise that a large group may not be able to assist those individuals with deep emotional or psychological problems. Adequate referral systems should be in place and workers should ascertain referral services that are appropriate for LGB young people to use in confidence.