Have you ever lived a life where you had to double face it in order to fit or blend in with the expectations of your society?

Have you ever thought about the consequences of denying your sexuality can destroy your ability to love?

The term sexuality refers to a person’s sexual attractions, experiences of the attraction and sexual preferences. Some sexualities include homosexual (attracted to the same sex), heterosexual (attracted to the opposite sex), and bisexual (attracted to more than one sex). A young person may identify as an LGBTQI++ gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, pansexual, queer, asexual, or something else or they may not yet be sure of their sexuality.

There are a range of stressful experiences that may increase the risk of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide for same sex attracted (SSA) young people. Some common experiences that can affect the wellbeing of a young person can include:

1. Feeling “different” from other people around them.
2. Homophobic bullying, whether verbal or physical.
3. Feeling pressure to deny or change their sexuality.
4. Feeling worried about “coming out” to friends, family, fellow students or workers, along with the possibility of being rejected or isolated.
5. Feeling unsupported or misunderstood by friends, family, fellow students or workers.

What are the early signs suggesting a possible mental health problem?

1. Changes in mood – feeling sadder, more anxious, or more irritable than usual.
2. Changes in behavior – being less talkative, becoming withdrawn or being more aggressive.
3. Changes in relationships – falling out with friends or their partner, or conflict with family.
4. Changes in appetite – eating more or less than usual, or losing or gaining weight rapidly.
5. Changes in sleep patterns – not sleeping enough, or sleeping too much.
6. Changes in coping – feeling overwhelmed or tired of life.
7. Changes in thinking – more negative thoughts, or thoughts of self harm or suicide.

Now we all know that It’s normal to experience some of these changes from time to time. When these changes last longer than expected and begin to interfere with a young person’s life, their study, work and friendships, talk to them about seeking help. And be there for them.

How to support yourself?

You should always know that there is nothing wrong with the way you are, no matter what sexual orientation you see yourself with you are always valued and such something shouldn’t affect your mental health You have to always tell yourself that homophobia is a problem with society, not you, I myself had to deal with rejection of being the way I am I had to search up ways to change my sexuality and god knows how not accepting myself affected my mental health, i wish seven years ago me, recognized that earlier, a refusal to see myself clearly meant an inability to recognize anyone like me. That is the terrible hole so many of us the LGBTQI++ are still trying to climb out of. It is how some of the most vocal opponents of LGBTQI++ rights end up coming out of the closet when the weight of it becomes too much.

They look at someone with all the same life experiences and instead of seeing themselves, only see what they think could shatter them. What a grace to know that you have nothing to fear, cherish every single part of you and be proud.

If a person has confided in you, take the time to ask them how you can support them. Reassure them that you will respect their privacy and ask their permission before sharing their information with anyone else.

The person should remain in control of their “coming out” and their ability to be comfortable with their sexuality process.