Sexual minority groups in Guyana suffer from poor mental health as a result of bigotry meted out to them, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), said Wednesday following an expert panel discussion on the topic.SASOD, on Tuesday hosted a Lunch Talk on Mental Health and Well- Being for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Guyanese, with discussions being led by Dr. Janice Jackson, Psychologist and retired University of Guyana lecturer; Leroy Adolphus, Policy and Advocacy Officer at the National Coordinating Coalition Inc (NCC); and Dr. Melissa Varswyk, Principal of Georgetown American University and Vice-Chair of Blue CAPS. The discussions were moderated by Ulelli Verbeke, Chairperson of SASOD’s Board of Directors.

The discussion was held in observance of the annual International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) on May 17, and Mental Health Awareness Week 2016.

SASOD reported Dr Varswyk as saying that given the scarcity of mental health professionals in Guyana, which impedes access to services for LGBT people, vulnerable communities such as the LGBT Guyanese should form groups in civil society for policy and advocacy and community support. This, she said, will not be easy initially, but support mechanisms are essential for persons who are struggling.

According to SASOD, Dr. Varswyk said that there is a significant lack of trained mental health professionals, and needs to focus heavily on investing in more skilled professionals such as psychiatrists and psychologists, to formulate effective policies.

Dr. Jackson noted that given the self-stigma and internalized homophobia some LGBT people suffer, due to ingrained societal prejudices, it is important to know and find oneself, which is often times a struggle in anyone’s adolescent years.

“Define for yourself who you are; know yourself, both internally and externally.” She explained that an internal definition of oneself is what we know we feel, how we know we will respond and how we feel about ourselves; external definition is what others know from how we behave, what we express how we are as a result of external factors molding us throughout our lives. She expressed that many people are raised hearing words like “Children must be seen and not heard”, and “Boys should not cry,” etc. which may cause damaging effects, due to those negative external influences. “We are raised in a society where people are afraid to speak; they may internalize their feelings and then lash out and are often hushed from expressing themselves,” she noted.

”Finding oneself and being comfortable in one’s own skin are some strategies and coping mechanisms for anyone, especially LGBT people, to build their own self-esteem and improve their mental health and wellbeing,” Dr. Jackson added.

Mr Adolphus noted that civil society has a leading role to play in advocating for national awareness on mental health.  ”Mental health illness is a national crisis,” he exclaimed.

“Civil society needs to develop and implement community-based approaches which promote positive mental health and wellbeing for vulnerable groups, especially for LGBT Guyanese.