Mental Health

Gay,Bisexual,MSM Mental Health Shanghai China

The majority of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) have and maintain good mental  health, even though MSM are at greater risk for mental health problems. Like  everyone else, the majority of MSM are highly resilient and able to cope  successfully with many negative life stressors, such as those associated with  homophobia and discrimination.

Homosexuality is not a  mental disorder, but homophobia, stigma, and discrimination have negative  effects on the health of MSM, lesbians, and other sexual minorities. The  negative effects of social marginalization can be found in adolescent and adult  MSM, for example, research has shown that MSM and other members of the LGBT  community are at increased risk for a number of mental health problems. Research  also has found that, compared to other men, MSM are at increased risk of:

• Major depression during adolescence and  adulthood;
• Bipolar disorder; and
• Generalized anxiety disorder during adolescence  and adulthood.

MSM are  also at greater risk for other health threats that often occur in conjunction  with mental health problems (i.e., co-morbidities). These include greater use  of illegal drugs and a greater risk for suicide. For example, MSM are more  likely than other men to have attempted suicide and to have successfully  completed a suicide attempt.                           The HIV  epidemic also has had a profound impact on the mental health of MSM. The disease  affects those men that are living with HIV, loved ones of those living with, or  have died from,  HIV.

Disclosing Sexual Orientation

Keeping  one’s sexual orientation hidden from others (being "in the closet") and fear of  having one’s sexual orientation disclosed (being “outed”) can add to the stress  of being gay or bisexual. In general, research has shown that MSM who disclose  their sexual orientation to others have better health outcomes than MSM who do not. However, disclosure in some settings and to  individuals who react negatively can add to the stress experienced by MSM, and can lead to more stress,  poorer mental health, and discrimination.

Keys to Maintaining Good Mental Health

Having a  supportive group of friends and family members is often key to successfully  dealing with the stressors of day-to-day life and maintaining good mental  health. MSM who are unable to get social support from their friends and  families can find it by becoming involved in community, social, athletic,  religious, and other groups. Mental health counseling and support groups that  are sensitive to the needs of MSM can be especially useful to those who are  coming to terms with their sexual orientation or experiencing depression,  anxiety, or other mental health problems.                       

While  many gay and bisexual men may not seek care from their mental health provider  because of a fear from discrimination or homophobia, it is important to seek  help and try to find a provider that you can trust.