Coming Out and Depression

Depression is a major concern for gay men. Health site, healthyplace.com, states that "it's no surprise that gay men and lesbians identified depression and mental health as a major concern, given the daily challenges that they face. Living openly or closeted each bring their own pressures that can affect a person's health and it can stem from a sense of isolation that so many feel."

According to the gay.com report, Depression in the Gay Community, "A survey of households throughout the United States found that individuals who reported one or more same-sex partners in the past 5 years experienced higher rates of mental disorders, including anxiety and mood disorders."

Gay.com further explains that "part of the reason may have to do with the stress and feelings of isolation related to homophobia-both internal and from society at large. Researchers at the University of California at San Francisco found that the major risk factors for depression in gay and bisexual men included a recent experience of anti-gay violence or threats, not identifying as gay, or feeling alienated from the gay community."

How To Treat Depression

The good news is depression is treatable. Learn how to identify the signs, get treatment and break free from depression.

Current Discussions On Depression

Here are the current discussions going on in the forum about gay men and depression:

Alexk8832 says:

I feel like there have been some positive things that have come out from me telling people I am gay, but most of it is depressing me more than I was over the past 4 years. I feel really lonely and I have felt like that for the past 4 years, but I guess I am a good actor because nobody that I've told had a clue I was gay. I guess I'm rushing things, but after waiting for so long I am dying to have a boyfriend. But I don't know where to start... more

Calitennisboi says:

I've been so depressed lately and stressed about high school. It's my last year but ever since elementary I was talked behind and taunted and harassed because I was gay. It's kind if weird actually before high school I denied it and for awhile I was so angry because my peers had taunted me... more

Nedly59 says:

The biggest problem that I faced daily as a gay kid was the chronic feeing of isolation and disconnection...

Finding Help

Read these tips for the gay and lonely and don't be afraid to talk openly about your feelings with a gay-affirmative psychotherapist.

More on Gays and Depression

• Author E. Lynn Harris talks about his battle with depression.
• Healing Hurt Words and Gay Name-Calling
• Medical Associations Say "Ex-Gay Therapy" Based on Ignorance

_{Image © Simon des Forges.}