‘Someone is always worse than you’: bisexual, asexual and/or gender diverse university students’ perspectives on mental health and LGBTQIA+ specific interventions

ABSTRACT This study explored LGBTQIA+ university students’ navigation of mental health services in Aotearoa New Zealand. Seven LGBTQIA+ students were interviewed, and transcripts of discussions were analysed using a theory‐driven approach to thematic analysis. Theoretical frameworks of heteronormativity and minority stress were utilised to make sense of participant experiences. Five themes were identified: (1) Experiences of discrimination as a LGBTQIA+ individual, (2) The fear of losing agency and being outed, (3) The feeling of ‘not being enough’, (4) The pressure of impending adulthood, and (5) Affirmation of struggles is validating. Participants recounted experiences of discrimination and being outed when accessing mental health support. They reported a desire for greater confidentiality; confidentiality was seen as a way of retaining agency over their identity, and participants believed this was vital for LGBTQIA+ interventions. Participants described feeling they were not ‘queer enough’ or struggling with their mental health to the degree that they deserved to seek help. This study determined that LGBTQIA+ specific interventions need to be confidential, inclusive, and easily accessible. The current findings also highlight the value of further development of online mental health interventions to serve these populations, given the unique experiences and needs identified by participants.