MENTAL HEALTH
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Queer identified People and Mental Health
Although lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer identified (LGBTQ) people are as diverse as the general Canadian population in their experiences of mental health and well-being, they face higher risks for some mental health issues due to the effects of discrimination and the social determinants of health.
This information was compiled by Rainbow Health Ontario and CMHA Ontario.
What factors impact on mental health?
Socio-economic factors (or determinants) play a key role in mental health and wellbeing for all of us, and are particularly important for marginalized populations. Three significant determinants of positive mental health and wellbeing are:
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social inclusion.
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freedom from discrimination and violence.
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access to economic resources.
All three factors impact LGBTQ individuals and communities in Ontario:
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Bisexual and trans people are over-represented among low-income Canadians
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An Ontario-based study found that half of trans people were living on less than $15,000 a year
LGBTQ people experience stigma and discrimination across their life spans, and are targets of sexual and physical assault, harassment and hate crimes.
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Hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation more than doubled in Canada from 2007 to 2008, and were the most violent of all hate crimesiv
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An Ontario-based study of trans people found that 20 per cent had experienced physical or sexual assault due to their identity, and that 34 per cent were subjected to verbal threats or harassment
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Trans people in both Canada and the US report high levels of violence, harassment, and discrimination when seeking stable housing, employment, health or social services.
Additional factors that may impact on mental health and well-being for LGBTQ people include the process of “coming out” (sharing one’s LGBTQ identity with others), gender transition, internalized oppression, isolation and alienation, loss of family or social support, and the impact of HIV and AIDS.
- LOCAL RESOURCE CONNECTIONS -
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION WINDSOR-ESSEX (LEAMINGTON OFFICE)
215 Talbot Street East, Leamington, ONT, N8H 3X5
Phone: 519-255-7440
www.windsoressex.cmha.ca
CMHA Windsor Essex is a lead provider and advocate of community mental health services. We achieve this through treatment, collaboration, education and community engagement.
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION WINDSOR-ESSEX (WINDSOR OFFICE)
1400 Windsor Avenue, Windsor, ONT, N8X 3L9
Phone: 519-255-7440
www.windsoressex.cmha.ca
CMHA Windsor Essex is a lead provider and advocate of community mental health services. We achieve this through treatment, collaboration, education and community engagement.
FAMILY SERVICES WINDSOR-ESSEX
1770 Langlois Avenue, Windsor, ON, N8X4M5
Phone: 519-966-5010
www.fswe.ca
Counselling can help anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, relationships, addictions, sexuality, their gender identity, gender expression and overall wellness. Family Services Windsor-Essex is proud to offer a safer space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to meet their mental health needs:
OUR AGENCY
- Received safe-space designation as well as diversity training from Windsor Pride Community
- Employs 2SLGBTQIA staff and therapists.
- Is fully accessible and features gender-neutral washrooms.
OUR THERAPISTS
- Are licensed and trained to support Windsor-Essex youth from all walks of life.
- Understands how trauma affects mental health.
HOTEL-DIEU COMMUNITY CRISIS CENTRE
Windsor Regional Hospital
1030 Ouellette Avenue, 1st Floor Jeanne Mance Building
Phone: 519-973-4435
www.hdgh.org/crisis
The Community Crisis Centre is a partnership of area hospitals and social organizations committed to providing 24-hour crisis response services to residents of Windsor and Essex County who are experiencing serious mental illness and/or acute psychosocial problems. A variety of services are provided to reach individuals in crisis, including a 24-hour crisis phone line, follow-up crisis counseling and referrals.
KIDS HELP PHONE
1-800-668-6868
www.kidshelpphone.ca
Kids Help Phone is Canada's only national 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, web counselling and referral service for children and youth. Our service is completely anonymous and confidential - we don't trace calls, we don't have call display.
LGBT YOUTHLINE
Phone: 1-800-268-9688
www.youthline.ca
Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through our telephone, text and chat services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM.
MARYVALE
3640 Wells Street, Windsor, ONT, N9C 1T9
Phone: 519.258.0484
www.maryvale.ca
At Maryvale, we help young people and their families who, for a variety of reasons, are in serious emotional or psychological distress and are not doing well emotionally and mentally in their thinking about themselves and others. They may be highly anxious, depressed, suicidal, feeling worthless and hopeless, or they have lost their willingness to care about others. They may be dealing with debilitating learning disabilities.
QLINK WINDSOR-ESSEX
www.qlinkwe.ca/counselling
SANDWICH COMMUNITY HEALTH
3320 College Avenue , Windsor, ONT N9C 0E1
Phone: 519-258-6002
www.wechc.org/sch_home
Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, Sandwich Community Health provides Primary Care Services and Counselling Services to the vulnerable individuals in Windsor – Essex.
TEEN HEALTH CENTRE
1361 Ouellette Ave #101, Windsor ON, N8X 1J6
Phone: 519-253-8481
www.wechc.org/teenhealth_home
Teen Health is located at 1361 Ouellette and provides Primary Care and Counselling to youth between the ages of 12 and 24 years. Individuals come to us for Physical and Mental Health (individual and group counseling is available); Eating Disorders; Substance Abuse; Parent Support (support for parents and guardians of adolescents) and Pre and Post Natal for young moms.
TRANS LIFELINE
1-877-330-6366
www.translifeline.org
A hotline staffed by transgender people to help support community members experiencing a crisis. Call toll free.