More than three quarters of Australia's gay and lesbian
community have suffered from intense anxiety over the past year,
according to a new study.
More than 4,000 people participated in the Private Lives 2 survey,
which examined the pressures of modern gay life.
According to the results, more than half of the respondents claim
to hide their sexuality or gender identity in a range of situations
to side-step potential discrimination.
Conducted by La Trobe University and Australia's Gay and Lesbian
Health Victoria, the study also found that less than 70 per cent
said their GP knew about their sexuality.
The study was released at a press conference in Melbourne on
Tuesday.
According to 9 News Australia, thirty per cent of respondents
reported being diagnosed with depression in the past three years,
while twenty-two per cent said they'd been diagnosed with
anxiety.
Victorian Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the survey
would provide direction for future government initiatives.
"I really think our challenge is to get our message out, and we
have to shout it from the roofs, we have to do everything we can to
raise awareness and educate the broader community and develop ways
to reduce the stigma, reduce the discrimination," she said.
