Half of LGBT people have experienced depression

HALF of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender have experienced depression, according to a new poll.

A survey of 5,000 LGBT people found that 52% had experienced depression in the last year.

Meanwhile 61% said they had suffered anxiety, according to Stonewall.

The charity said that mental health problems were particularly concerning among transgender people, with 12% saying they had attempted to take their own life in the last year, compared to 2% of LGB people who are not trans.

Almost one in four (23%) said they had witnessed negative remarks about LGBT people from healthcare staff while accessing services.

The charity has called for better training for health and care staff, with specific guidance on how to meet the needs of LGBT patients.

“Simply being lesbian, gay, bi or trans shouldn’t mean you’re at higher risk of experiencing poorer mental health or should have to expect unequal treatment from healthcare services in Britain today.

“Unfortunately, this report shows that for many, it still does,” said Paul Twocock, Stonewall’s director of campaigns, policy and research.

“We need the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments and the NHS to take action and ensure health service staff at all levels understand the needs of all LGBT people and how to support them.”