It’s great that you’re thinking about your future, but make sure you’re looking after yourself in the present, too!

We know that lots of us in the LGBTQ+ community face mental health challenges. Things can be tough if you don’t feel supported, accepted, and embraced as your authentic self.

Here are some great resources you can use to support your mental health.

Please be aware that links are provided for signposting purposes. Stonewall is not affiliated with listed organisations or responsible for the content of external websites.

The Mix

The Mix’s mental health resources come from both experts and other young people and have information on a variety of mental illnesses, treatments, and seeking support. They also have a helpline, online community, counselling service and crisis messenger should you require urgent support.

YoungMinds

Whether you want to understand more about how you're feeling, get information about a mental health condition or find out what support is available to you, YoungMinds is there to help with practical tips and advice for young people.

Hub of Hope

Use this simple tool, from charity Chasing the Stigma, to find relevant mental health support on a range of concerns, using filters including LGBTQ+ support. Simply enter your postcode to get started.

The Proud Trust, Proud Connections

Proud Connections is a free, confidential and secure instant messaging service for LGBTQ+ young people and the adults who support them. The web chat is open 12-6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

On My Mind

On My Mind contains information, advice and resources to help you support your own mental health, including signposting to sources of support in times of crisis and tools to help you manage your own wellbeing. The free digital resources have been designed collaboratively with young people and with support from experts at the Anna Freud Centre. Resources include the Centre’s LGTBQI+ mental health booklet which explores some important topics in relation to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people within the LGBTQI+ community.

Student Minds

Uni can be a difficult place for LGBTQ+ young people, so Student Minds have created this resource for students on finding specified support for the challenges you’re facing and tips on coming out, addressing discrimination, and supporting LGBTQ+ friends.

Go to the Student Minds Blog site and click on the LGBTQ label to read testimonies that other LGBTQ+ students have shared about their experiences dealing with mental health challenges in university.

Helplines

If you need support, don’t stay silent. Call up these free, confidential, anonymous helplines and speak to someone who can help.

PAPYRUS is a national UK charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. PAPYRUS’ helpline, HOPELINEUK, is a free and confidential service that supports you with staying safe from suicide for now.

If you or someone you know are experiencing thoughts of suicide, PAPYRUS advisers are here to support you by calling 0800 068 4141, texting 07860 039 967 or emailing pat@papyrus-uk.org

Support is available every day of the year, 9am – midnight.

Childline provides support for all under-19s in the UK – 0800 1111, open 24/7. Find email support and a 1-2-1 counselling service through the website.

Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline - 0800 0119 100, open 10am–10pm every day. Email support: hello@swicthboard.lgbt. Online chat is also available through their homepage.

MindLine Trans+ 0300 330 5468 Nationwide, is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as transgender, agender, gender fluid and non-binary.

Mindout - MindOut Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Queer Mental Health Service – call 01273234839 or email info@mindout.org.uk or contact directly through their Online Support service. Dates and times on the website.

Samaritans offer a safe place to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. 24hr FREE phone calls from landline or mobile 116 123 / Email: jo@samaritans.org