Bisexual Mental Health: Navigating Challenges and Finding Support
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: bisexual mental health. Being bisexual is a beautiful and valid identity. It can come with its own set of challenges; especially when it comes to your mental well-being. Whether you’re out and proud or still figuring things out, it helps to understand the hurdles bisexual people face and how to navigate them with confidence.
In this article, we’ll dive into the ups and downs of bisexual mental health. We’ll explore the external pressures that can make things tough, and arm you with strategies to boost your well-being. Grab a comfy seat, maybe a cup of tea, and let’s get into it!
Understanding Bisexuality and Mental Health
What Exactly is Bisexuality?
Bisexuality is simply the attraction to more than one gender. It doesn’t mean you’re attracted to everyone or that your attractions are split 50/50. Those two myths are depressingly common. Being bisexual means just that your capacity for attraction includes multiple genders. Unfortunately, this nuanced identity is often misunderstood, leading to a host of challenges that can impact our mental health.
Biphobia and Erasure: The Double Whammy
One of the biggest hurdles bisexual people face is biphobia, or prejudice specifically against bisexual people. This can come from both the heterosexual and LGBTQ+ communities, which makes it feel like you’re stuck between two worlds, fully accepted by neither. It’s a lonely place. Another common issue is bisexual erasure, the tendency to ignore or invalidate bisexuality. If you’ve been met with the reaction “I don’t think bisexuality is real,” that’s classic bi erasure. This double whammy of bi erasure + biphobia can leave you feeling invisible, isolated, and unsure of where you belong. Each of these experiences can take a toll on your mental health.
Intersectionality
Another common misconception is that every bisexual person is a white, cis, able-bodied female. That’s just not true. If you’re bisexual and also belong to other marginalized groups—like being a person of color, trans, or disabled—these intersecting identities can add layers of complexity to how you are treated. Navigating the different prejudices we face as members of these communities can make it even harder to maintain good mental health. Understanding how the different threads of your identity intersect is key to addressing the unique challenges you face.
Strategies for Improving Mental Health as a Bisexual Person
Self-Acceptance and Affirmation
Embracing this part of yourself is a step toward improving your mental health. You can share this piece of your identity with whomever you choose, but the first step is to acknowledge it within yourself.
I came out as bi pretty late in my life, so I know a thing or two about how long it can take to come to terms with being bisexual. What helped me get there was to challenge my internalized biphobia by affirming that what I was dealing with was attraction to multiple genders. It took me a long time to realized this was real and valid. Surrounding myself with positive representations of bisexuality through books, movies, and role models was helpful too.
Building a Supportive Community
It’s lonely to feel like you don’t belong in the straight world for the queer one. You don’t have to go through this alone! Finding a supportive community can make a world of difference. Read more here about the steps to forming queer community, and here if you’re looking for how to make queer friends in NYC specifically. Whether it’s connecting with other bisexual people, joining LGBTQ+ groups, or finding community online, forming queer community with people who understand your experience is invaluable.
Seeking Professional Help
Therapy is a powerful tool for improving your mental health. Look for a therapist who is knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ issues and understands the specific challenges we bi people face. Don’t be afraid to discuss your bisexuality and how it affects your mental health—this is a crucial part of your journey toward well-being. Simply put, LGBTQ+ friendly therapy is a game-changer. And if you’re looking for a psychologist who is herself bisexual, congrats, you’ve found one. If you’re looking for the link to schedule a free consult call, here you go.
Coping Skills That Work
Stress and pain are inevitable and how you cope with them makes all the difference in your long-term mental health. Engaging in self-care practices that work for you is going to help. It may take some trial and error to find a coping skill that actually makes you feel more rested and at peace afterwards. Not everyone loves a bubble bath. But once you are able to rely on a rotation of activities that nourish your mind and body, you will be much better prepared to handle whatever stress comes up.
Advocacy and Activism
No amount of self-care is going to replenish what systemic violence takes from us. That’s why working in isolation to improve your own mental health is only going to take you so far. Getting involved in bisexual advocacy or queer activism can be incredibly empowering. Not only does it give you a sense of purpose, it also allows you to contribute to creating a more inclusive world. Plus, activism can be a great way to connect with like-minded people and build a supportive community.
The Role of Allies in Supporting Bisexual Mental Health
What Allies Can Do
If you are no bi yourself but want to learn more about how to support bisexual people, there is a lot you can do as an ally. We as bisexual people cannot change how we are viewed by society as a whole. If you want to support bi people, educate yourself about bisexuality and challenge biphobia when you see it. Allyship can make a significant difference in creating a more supportive environment.
Listening and Validating Experiences
One of the most powerful things an ally can do is hear what we say. Listen to us talk about our experiences without judgment or skepticism. You can validate that what we go through is real and worthy of acknowledgment. Your support can be a lifeline for someone struggling with their mental health.
Common Mental Health Challenges Faced by Bisexual Individuals
Relationships: Navigating Love and Biphobia
Dating can be hell for us all, but bisexual people often face additional challenges. Monosexism, the belief that people should only be attracted to one gender, can show up and cause issues in relationships. Partners may doubt your loyalty or assume you’ll eventually “choose” a side. It can be hard to assert your identity in a world where people put you in the wrong box, based on who you currently date or love. It’s a lot of pressure, and it can lead to stress and anxiety in your romantic life.
Workplace Discrimination: Bringing Your Whole Self to Work
We can’t assume that your workplace is always a safe haven for bisexual people. Biphobia and erasure can show up in the form of insensitive comments, exclusion from LGBTQ+ initiatives, or even outright discrimination. This can make it difficult to be your authentic self at work, leading to increased stress and anxiety.
The research on how frequently bisexual people are discriminated against where they work is alarming to look at. According to research done by the Williams Institute at UCLA, “24% of all cisgender bisexual employees reported experiencing discrimination at work—including being fired or not hired—because of their sexual orientation.” Additionally, they found that “60% of cisgender bisexual men who are out at work experienced verbal, physical, or sexual harassment compared to 38% of out bisexual women.” Clearly, this is a huge systemic issue.
Social and Family Acceptance
One of the most significant pressures bisexual individuals face is a lack of acceptance from friends and family. Being dismissed or unsupported by the people closest to you can lead to feelings of rejection and abandonment. Being excluded by important figures in your life on the basis of your sexuality can severely impact your mental health.
Media Representation: Some Good, Some Harm
News and entertainment media play a huge role in shaping societal attitudes toward bisexuality. Alas, positive and accurate representations of bisexual people are still rare. Instead, harmful stereotypes and clichés often dominate. This further perpetuates a cycle of biphobia and erasure. Seeing yourself misrepresented or ignored entirely can be damaging to your self-esteem and mental health.
Conclusion
Bisexual mental health is a complex and often overlooked issue. It deserves attention and care! By understanding the challenges we bi people face and taking steps to address them, we can all contribute to a world where bisexual people are supported and celebrated. Remember, your mental health matters, and there’s a community out there ready to support you on your journey. We’re so happy you’re here!