Mental health problems such as depression, self-harm, alcohol and drug abuse and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, but they’re more common among people who are LGBT+. Being LGBT+ doesn’t cause these problems but some things LGBT+ people go through can affect their mental health, such as discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, social isolation, rejection, and difficult experiences of coming out. It’s important to note that embracing being LGBT+ can have a positive impact on someone’s wellbeing too. It might mean they have more confidence, a sense of belonging to a community, feelings of relief and self-acceptance, and better relationships with friends and family. Our panel will discuss the impact that being LGBT+ has had, and continues to have, on their own mental health, both the negatives and the positives. We also discuss what has helped them and how you can make sure you are getting the support you need.