For two hours, I can be myself: Peer support groups and mental health among LGBT+
- The Indian Journal of Social Work
- 83(2), Apr, 2022: p.309-326
Peer support groups are safe spaces for LGBT+1 people to connect with each other and share experiences. Conversation with peers can help reduce feelings of guilt and help increase self-esteem and mental well-being. Peer support has proven to be beneficial in resolving anxieties and learning coping skills. However, healthcare practitioners do not actively refer LGBT+ clients to such groups. This article uses literature review, personal communication and extracts from a short research on support group experiences to illustrate benefits of LGBT+ peer support and their impact on mental health. Healthcare practitioners are urged to network with LGBT+ peer support groups. – Reproduced
LGBT+, Mental health, Affirmative healthcare, Peer support, LGBT+ support groups.