MHM Magazine

over the counter medications. These substances are used, again with some research suggesting, underlying conditions. For example, anxiety – generalised and others, depressive episodes, post-traumatic incidents, other mood disorders, suicidal ideation and chronic suicidal thoughts, chronic dysregulation difficulties, chronic feelings of hopelessness and protracted interpersonal conflicts. This is not an exhaustive list, however it suggests the myriad of mental health struggles experienced by many members of said community, admittedly without expanding on the unique or more nuanced nature of the presentations. It also hopefully serves to foreground the pain of being queer, the need for urgent attention, and the recognition of the marginalised. The above serious situation is worsened by the barriers of entry to appropriate, efficient, and affirming care and treatment. Besides a common effect of the high levels of stigma which prevent individuals within the queer community having access to fair and equitable employment opportunities – which many clinicians know is key in access healthcare, the combination of this stigma associated with experiencing of having mental healthcare difficulties is a proverbial double blow. Accessing insurance benefits has also been widely reported to be arduous for individuals who identify within the queer community and at times unlawful and prejudicial, and subsequently funding limitations prevent many people from initiating treatment. When able to access treatment, many individuals report again and again how shaming un-affirming and offensive the experiences can be with healthcare facilities, healthcare providers and at times with pharmacology which is not normed on gender deviant populations. Language use, voyeurism, assaults and exploitations, trauma, are just a few other which could expand the understanding of poor health seeking behaviour of some members in the queer community. Raising the pride flag has become ‘the-done-thing’, a cooperate and institutional custom in some arenas, popular, deceptively expedient and vogue. It’s still necessary, maybe for a long time to come, and maybe until the flag has reached its symbolic, legislative and personal endeavour. However, it’s more than insignia, and should be treated as such. This article, perhaps also a signifier, is not conclusive, however should raise at full-mast, matters for our expansion and development. visit our website www.ihpublishing.co.za 4 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | Issu3 2 | 2022 MHM