Pharmacy students supporting LGBTI mental health
Image: (PHOTO: Ann-Marie Calilhanna; Star Observer)
THE聽national body representing pharmacy students has released a new position statement highlighting its support for the LGBTI community.
The National Australian Pharmacy Students鈥� Association (NAPSA) says it is 鈥渁 firm believer of equality for all, whether it be religious, race, gender or sexual orientation/identity鈥�, the has reported.
The position statement focuses on health inequalities facing LGBTI people, and mental health concerns in particular.
鈥淭he mental health of [LGBTI] people is amongst the poorest in Australia,鈥� the statement says, highlighting that queer folks are four to six times more likely to have a major depressive disorder.
Trans women are among the highest risk, with a 60 per cent chance of having major depression.
The statement also focuses on the risk of suicide in the LGBTI community. Same-sex attracted Australians are 14 times more likely to consider suicide than the general population.
鈥淭his is no doubt a similar, perhaps more saddening story for many Indigenous [LGBTI] Australians,鈥� the statement says.
鈥淎necdotal evidence has shown they experience more suicidal ideations than the general population and the wider [LGBTI] community.鈥�
The position statement says NAPSA 鈥渟trives to create a profession and community that has a noticeable support network that empowers our members to be who they are and accept each other similarly鈥�.
鈥淲e are united against those with a prejudiced view on different sexual orientations or identities,鈥� says the position statement.
鈥淭o pharmacy and non-pharmacy students alike, we are proud and respect you for who you are and what you represent.鈥�
