LGBT Youth Scotland, See Me, and Queer Film Night partnered with young LGBTQ+ people across Scotland to create three powerful short videos.
These videos shine a light on the stigma and discrimination young LGBTQ+ people face while navigating mental health challenges, offering insight into how they—and the people around them—can provide support and understanding.
Exploring your sexual orientation and/or gender identity can be challenging, especially when mental health struggles come into play. But it’s important to remember: you are never alone, and support is always available.
Check out these three videos, created by young people from our youth groups across Scotland.
… in the young queer community, there is so much stigma going around and I hope that queer young people look at the videos and see themselves …'
You are valid and not alone
We know it can be daunting dealing with how you are feeling on your own. There is support out there for you and someone you can talk to.
Whether this is speaking to a friend, family member, teacher or youth worker, sharing the struggles you are having with your mental health or any stigma and discrimination you are facing is nothing to be ashamed of.
Feeling the weight of this on your shoulders is never easy and we want you to know that you are valid and not alone.
‘The only way we can break stigma is by understating and uniting together, we already experience heightened discrimination due to our age and the fact we are LGBT. Our voice is just as important as anyone else’s.’
Stop, Listen, Include
Sometimes it can feel that you are not being heard by the professionals in your life and that your feelings are being dismissed. That is not okay.
All professionals should stop, listen and include you in any conversations they are having about your mental health. Being a young person does not mean that your struggles with mental health are any less important and are as real as anyone else’s.
If you feel you are not being taken seriously, speak to a trusted adult in your life and let them know that this is happening.
You have the right to be listened to and taken seriously.
‘It’s very difficult to have your voice heard never mind considered'
Just Ask
We can often see our friends as stronger people than we are but that isn’t always the case. Even the people who seem the strongest need a check in from time to time.
Simply asking how someone is feeling can make such a difference! It might help your friend know that they have someone there for them who can listen and support. That really matters.
Talking about mental health with friends and family can make a huge difference and stop someone from feeling alone.
‘It’s not just important to break down stigma and discrimination around mental health, it’s a must.'
We are Here for You
If you ever need someone to speak to help is available. You can email us or come online to chat to a youth worker.
If we aren’t online, you can always leave us a message in the chat box in the bottom right hand corner
