Co. Wexford Traveller Men’s Health Project
“According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the rate of substance abuse disorders among LGBT individuals isn’t well known, but studies indicate it may be 20% to 30%, which is significantly higher than the general population (9%)” (Redding, 2014).
One of the causal factors for this is stress- from discrimination, bullying, stigma and rejection by friends and family. The fact that most LGBTI youth use bars and clubs as a meeting place places them in an easily accessible location when they are at their most vulnerable.
Many LGBTI people are internally homophobic as a result of their upbringing and culture. This causes a major issue when trying to accept who you really are and can lead to people isolating themselves and engaging in unhealthy behaviour such as substance abuse and self-harm. Without help this behaviour can progress to a dangerous level.
Young people in this situation need to be aware that there is help available. If family and friends are unsupportive, a simple phone call can be the start to changing your life and getting the help you need. There are national help-lines but there are also people locally that you can talk to face-to-face who will support you through your journey.
MAKE A CALL , IT CAN’T HURT MORE THAN YOU ARE HURTING RIGHT NOW!
Phone numbers:
LGBTI Help-line 1890 929 539
FDYS 053 9123262
Alcoholics Anonymous 01 8420700 email: gso@alcoholicsanonymous.ie
Narcotics Anonymous 01 6728000 email: info@na-ireland.org
Information:
- Young people
www.fdys.ie provide support and information to young LGBTI people in Wexford county. - Information and support
You can find supportive information and the numbers for LGBTI help lines nationwide at www.lgbtmentalhealth.ie. - Transgender support
The Transgender Equality Network Ireland provides support for transgender people.
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