Discrimination and Mental Health

It’s no surprise to me that one third of gay people have attempted suicide. Personally, over the last two years, I have suffered deep depression at times based solely on the political climate in this country. I have always attributed that to my personal make up. I hate being or feeling inadequate in any way. I hate that I am feeling as if I’m just not worth as much to my country as a citizen. I hate that my President doesn’t see the relationship that my partner and I have as being anywhere near equal to his own.

It’s hard not to internalize it and it’s hard for it not to be personal, because it is personal. I can see why a lot of people give up. I don’t know if I would call what people have “mental disorders”. I think it’s more accurate to say that they are predictably acting according to their surroundings.

If you tell someone they are second rate and worthless enough, they will eventually start to believe it. I have.

A new study has drawn direct links between anti-gay discrimination and mental health, with results suggesting nearly a third of LGB people in the UK have attempted suicide. (source)