Rejection and Mental Health
The LGBTIQAP+ community suffers from some of the highest statistics of having mental health issues. I went undiagnosed with depression for over three decades. I have no doubt whatsoever that my depressive episodes were related to me being rejected, fear of being rejected and knowing I was the target of societal hate, just because I was gay. Whilst I didn't come out until 2007, at age 39, the sadness, loneliness and general feeling of unhappiness prior to coming out all had a devastating impact on me. When I did come out in 2007, the effects of real rejection and at times hatred really played its part on my mental health. What is even more significant to note in this story, is that prior to 2007, as a straight man with a high income, I could afford private specialist mental health services, although at the time, they didn't know my core issue was suppressed homosexuality. To be honest, neither did I until around 2004, but I still never came out to anyone at all, until I ended the marriage with my now ex-wife in 2007. When I did come out however, my access to a GP and also specialist mental health services ceased for a while simply because I could no longer afford it, and unfortunately for most people, these services are not bulk billed to Medicare. So at a time in my life when I needed mental health services the most, I was not able to actually access it. I count myself as perhaps one of the most fortunate gay men alive because I ended up being 'blessed by the gay Gods' because I had managed to stumble across a GP Medical Practice in New Farm, Queensland, and also a private mental health specialist, also in New Farm, Queensland, who actually bulk billed Medicare multiple times when they saw me, until such a time as I could actually afford to pay privately like everyone else. Looking back now, Dr Vo and Dr Whitehead played a major part in ensuring my two sons still have a father who walks this planet alive. No number of words can than thank them enough. I still see Dr Vo, as well as routine check ins with a team of other medical practitioners, including a psychologist, all to ensure I remain in what we call green light territory. I consider mental health like going to the gym and eating healthy. It's all a part of an ongoing holistic way of ensuring you are 'living your best life'. Today, being gay is much more accepted, and when someone comes out, their friends and family are really supportive, but unfortunately for some, that is still not the case. With the internet at hand these days, resources are so much more readily available to help everyone come to terms with someone coming out. There's even a support group for parents and friends. Click the button below to visit PFLAG+ Australia.
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