Tips for young people
Sexuality & mental health
The experiences you have because of your sexuality can impact your mental health. Here's some information to help you get the support you deserve.
What is sexuality?
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Your sexuality is how you define the physical, emotional, and mental urges you have for another person. You can find yourself attracted to individuals of the same gender, a different gender, or not at all. Your sexuality is made up of all of these factors; it involves more than just the people you engage in sexual activity with.
There is no "correct" or "wrong" sexuality; it just depends on how you personally connect with and experience desire.
How can sexuality affect your mental health?
Any given sexual orientation does not automatically indicate mental illness. But your mental health may be impacted by the experiences you have as a result of your sexuality. People are occasionally bullied, treated unfairly, or treated differently due to their sexual orientation. You can experience discrimination from those around you or have friends or relatives that don't accept or understand your sexual orientation.
You could experience discrimination from society or have your sexuality rejected. There can be some locations where you don't feel secure or at ease. All of these situations or emotions may make you feel upset, anxious, or alone.
Even if you haven't personally experienced these things, you have probably seen or heard about others who have.
Tips from our team
Our community and other young people share their tips and advice on sexuality and mental health.
Discussing your feelings and experiences with a trusted friend or family member can be quite beneficial. Talk to your close friends, your relatives, your parents, a teacher you get along with, a counsellor, or a mentor. It's acceptable if you are uncertain about your exact words. By discussing your feelings with someone, both you and those close to you can learn how to better support one another.
There are many people, whether they be people you know or internet influencers, who may give you a positive and empowering feeling. Seeing others who are through a similar journey as you can be beneficial.
Writing your thoughts down can be helpful if you're not sure what to say or don't feel comfortable talking to somebody. You may also jot down encouraging sayings or messages that make you feel good and post them somewhere in your home where you can see them every day.
Remember that you can mute, ban, or unfollow accounts that are upsetting you if you are seeing things online that make you feel stressed or pressed. Social media breaks can be incredibly beneficial, so try removing your applications for the weekend to see if it helps. Visit our website on social media and mental health for additional advice on how to enjoy yourself online.
Get help now
Childline
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.
Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.
Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.
Opening times:
24/7
0800 11 11
Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.
Opening times:
24/7
116123
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