Resiliency and mental health and well-being among lesbian, gay and bisexual people

Abstract

Reports concerning the mental well-being of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people mostly focus on mental health issues, negative events and stress, and very few focus on strategies LGB use to achieve well-being. To address this gap, we report on a qualitative project involving 93 LGB people who completed an online survey. Participants provided accounts of resilience, particularly in relation to the ways in which they were caring for themselves. They were engaged in a wide variety of activities that supported their well-being related to social connections, self-care, interests and hobbies, and professional help. Despite this, we argue that there is a compelling need to ensure a wider mental health promotion focus is adopted to support LGB people lead mentally healthy lives.

Keywords::

• Resiliency
• positive mental health
• gay
• lesbian
• bisexual

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Te Pou o Te Whakaaro Nui, The National Centre of Mental Health Research, Information and Workforce Development, New Zealand, as part of the Ministry of Health's implementation of the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2008–2012. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of Te Pou or the Ministry of Health.