Mental Health
Counselling
It could be that you have already developed mental health problems. We have found that once young people access GALYIC, come out and develop a network of friends, their mental health problems usually reduce or go away completely.
This is less likely to happen for those who have additional problems created by substance misuse; homelessness, are living at home with homophobic families; are stuck with internalised homophobia (because of substance misuse or because of their family religion); are experiencing on-going homophobic bullying and abuse; have been sexually abused or raped; or are in abusive relationships. These young people are likely to need extra help through counselling.
We can refer you for counselling, as can most gay youth groups, schools and GPs. It is important, however, that you make sure the person you see is gay-friendly and understands about internalised homophobia and the coming out process.