Here you can find all information about our new campaign #MyMentalMe.
Body Image
Feelings and thoughts about your own body aesthetics or self-perception and evaluation of your own body. Feeling uncomfortable is okay. Everyone is free to decide whether and how they want to change their own body. And: We need more body diversity and a normalisation of different bodies.
Read articles on this topic in our magazine:
"Gaining a few kilos is absolutely okay" - body image stress among gay men
Billy used to weigh around 40 kilos more. In this interview, he describes how he saw himself during this time and what he experienced in the scene. And even though sport is part of his life today, he knows that an attractive body isn't everything! (2014)
Coming Out
Coming soon? Coming out does not mean that it has to come soon! Everyone has their own time. You are enough. Even if the only person you come out to today is yourself. It's okay that you have a lot of thoughts and that this takes up your everyday life. It can help to open up to trusted people like friends first. Try to keep your mental barrel from overflowing by taking the time you need. You are valuable no matter which path you choose.
Tip: Prepare yourself for the situations. Where do you feel most comfortable? It can help to talk about the topic of LGBTQIA+ in general first.
Substance use
You can find drug and addiction counselling here Contact points with you on site.
With Drugscouts you will find more detailed tips for drug emergencies.
Read more: iwwit.de/drugs
Depression & burn-out
Depression and anxiety are twice as common in gay and bisexual men as in heterosexual men. Why is this the case?
- Minority stress
- Diverse types of discrimination
- General risk factors e.g. insecurity and fear of coming out
- Vulnerabilisation before coming out due to gender-atypical behaviour. Boys usually react very negatively to "gender atypical" behaviour in childhood, which can have a negative impact on those affected.
Minority stress model
Did you know that sexual minorities are exposed to particular psychological stressors (e.g. discrimination or fear of rejection) This minority stress is caused by entrenched social structures and attitudes -> you cannot escape them Stresses are permanent and require constant confrontation -> Act in addition to "normal" everyday stressors. For some, this permanent stress has a negative effect on their mental well-being -> which can lead to depression or burnout.
If it gets too much for you, remember:
- Talk (if you like) to people close to you about your feelings
- You are not alone!
- Seek professional support
- Take your symptoms and feelings seriously!
- Your story and your well-being count!
Find out more about this topic in our magazine:
"How a burn-out changed René's life."
René suffered a burn-out four years ago. In this interview, he talks about the overload, everyday life in the day clinic and the time-outs he allows himself today. (2014)
"Thilo and his life with depression"
Thilo is HIV-positive and suffered from depression. He has now overcome it. In the report, you can find out how he came out of the crisis and how he is doing today. (2014)
"Depression - the unknown widespread disease"
From Philip Eicker
Depression and anxiety are twice as common in gay and bisexual men as in heterosexual men. One reason for this is probably the many experiences of discrimination they have to deal with. This is not only a personal burden, but also jeopardises HIV prevention. The results of the pilot study "How are you?" (2013)
Therapy, support system, medication
Everyone has their own support system - what does yours consist of?
- Talk to friends or family
- Talk to your family doctor
- See a therapist
- Join a self-help group
- Visit a local advice centre
- Call the helpline
What should I do if I want help immediately?
You can reach trained people via these free helplines, who can also give you anonymous advice!
- Depression information hotline 0800-33444533 (Mon., Tue., Thu. 13-17h/Mi., Fri. 8:30-12:30h)
- The telephone counselling service 0800-1110111 or 0800-1110222 (available around the clock)
- For young people: The number against grief 0800-116111 (Mon.-Sat. 2 - 8 pm)
If you decide in favour of therapy...
- ...you don't need to know "what you have" - therapists are responsible for diagnoses.
- ...you will learn tools to deal with feelings and what is bothering you in everyday life.
- ...you don't fight against your feelings, you learn to accept them.
- ...you work on your self-esteem and self-acceptance.
- ...you can be helped with medication in acute situations.
You can find out more on these pages:
- National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians: arztsuche.116117.de or call 116117
- German network of psychotherapists: dpnw.de/how_to_find_a_therapist_new
- Association of the LGBTIQ community in psychology: vlsp.de/counselling-therapy/offers
Where and how do I seek help?
- Gay Health Chat Chat counselling for gay, bisexual & queer men* who have sex with men
- Directory for queer-friendly and sensitised doctors: queermed-deutschland.de
- Tips for finding good doctors or therapists: regenbogenportal.de
Living with HIV
Possible thoughts of an HIV-positive person:
- I am embarrassing for my parents
- My friends have turned their backs on me
- My boss thinks I'm not resilient
- I am afraid of rejection when dating
Thanks to medication and therapies, people with HIV can lead a completely normal life! Medication suppresses the multiplication of HIV in the body.
- HIV is not transmissible under therapy.
- Prejudices make you ill. HIV under therapy does not!
What can you do against HIV discrimination?
- Talk to friends, family and colleagues about this topic and help raise awareness!
- Show solidarity wherever people with HIV are discriminated against or marginalised!
Buddy project of the Deutsche Aidshilfe: buddy.hiv
Anti-discrimination centre of the German AIDS Service Organisation: hiv-diskriminierung.de
