Supporting LGBTQIA+ people to manage isolation and loneliness

Amongst LGBTQIA+ people who are marginalised by heteronormative attitudes, inevitably would experience difficult feelings which can lead to loneliness and isolation. Strongly advocating for equality of opportunity for all forms of difference in our society, leads me to write this article.

There is numerous research indicating that LGBTQIA+ individuals are at much-increased vulnerability risk regarding loneliness and experiencing social isolation and low self-esteem, more so than non-LGBTQIA+ people. It is not surprising and not acceptable how such marginalised and vulnerable groups may begin suffering from anxiety, low self-worth and depression, sometimes leading to self-harm and suicidality.

Isolation and loneliness occur when social contact is felt to be counterproductive for reasons such as bullying. Not feeling a sense of belonging amongst like-minded people or feeling misunderstood could lead to LGBTQIA+ people feeling rejected, unhappy and lost. A sense of emptiness can manifest in both emotional and social terms. Social isolation is recognised through a lack of a social network of people to turn to for mutual conversation, social events, information sharing and help. A lack of emotional support occurs when a person lacks close affectional bonds, with whom they can share about personal matters.

Social and emotional isolation and loneliness can leave a person feeling unwanted and worthless, therefore having a significant impact on the person’s well-being and ability to thrive. There may be a plethora of understandable reasons why LGBTQIA+ people feel anxious or depressed, such as feeling worried and disorientated about coming out to the world regarding their sexual orientations and gender identities. It is a risk that many bravely take since responses can never be certain.

A judgemental response to an LGBTQIA+ person sharing about their identity could have a far-reaching negative impact on the person’s sense of self, their sense of being accepted and of belonging as valued members of our communities. There can be benefits of working with a therapist who has the nuanced sensitivity to support LGBTQIA+ people towards feeling accepted, valued and empowered. Offering a safe and confidential therapy space can help significantly isolated individuals in LGBTQIA+ groups, feel heard and understood, sometimes for the first time.  

LGBTQIA+ individuals can develop in environments where discrimination, prejudice and rejection are rife or more subtle yet powerfully impacting the lives of vulnerable minority groupings in a wide range of settings, such as educational settings, work or families. Negative atmospheres and both verbal and non-verbal communication can impact how LGBTQIA+ people feel about themselves, creating a sense of social awkwardness, which is not acceptable.

Speaking with an LGBTQIA+ sensitive therapist may help the person to feel heard, safe and a growing sense of feeling accepted understood and secure. It can be helpful to talk through possible confusing thoughts and feelings and to think through the next steps and different choices. Therapy can help significantly empower and enable LGBTQIA+ people to feel more in control of themselves and confident about who they are in the world.