A new guidance document and training tool aimed at assisting mental health staff working with LGBTQIA+ individuals is set to be released this morning, reports RTE.
According to the Mental Health Commission (MHC), the new resources will provide “clear and accessible guidance” to mental health practitioners on how to properly support LGBTQIA+ service users.
The purpose is to foster “a deeper understanding” of the specific challenges encountered by LGBTQIA+ people, while also enhancing their overall experience within Ireland’s mental health services, reports RTE.
The guidance will be officially launched today at the LGBT Ireland National Conference and is informed by an evidence review commissioned by the MHC.
This review brought attention to the elevated levels of psychological distress and the lack of sufficient care among LGBTQIA+ populations, especially among young individuals and those who are transgender, reports RTE.
It also identified higher incidences of suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and self-harm within LGBTQIA+ communities.
Other significant concerns noted included greater levels of anxiety, depression—including perinatal depression—and eating disorders, with sexual minorities being particularly affected, reports RTE.
John Farrelly, Chief Executive of the MHC, described the publication as a necessary response to the ongoing reality that many LGBTQIA+ individuals encounter serious mental health struggles that are often not sufficiently addressed.
The MHC referenced studies such as Being LGBTQI+ In Ireland and My LGBTI+ Voice Matters, which have shown that LGBTQIA+ people face greater mental health challenges compared to the general public, reports RTE.
Paula Fagan, CEO of LGBT Ireland, expressed her support for the guidance, calling it both “practical” and “much-needed”.
She noted that findings from the Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland study indicated worsening mental health among LGBTQIA+ individuals in recent years, with significant increases in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, reports RTE.
“This document is a vital step toward changing that trajectory by equipping staff with the tools and awareness they need to treat LGBTQIA+ service users with dignity, understanding and respect,” she said.
Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler also endorsed the guidance and training resource, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive care approach, reports RTE.
She said: “Everyone who uses a mental health service should feel confident that they can access services which are inclusive, compassionate and completely non-judgmental.
“I encourage all those who deliver and work in mental health services to implement the important and practical steps contained in the guidance,” reports RTE.
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