Research suggests that bisexuals suffer worse mental health outcomes than heterosexuals, lesbians, and gay men. These outcomes include:
While the exact reasons may differ from person-to-person, research suggests that there are two common elements involved: Bi+ antagonism (or biphobia*) and Bisexual erasure or invisibility
*The BRC uses “bi+ antagonism” instead of “biphobia” to limit ableist language and disassociate folks with clinical phobias with folks with antagonist viewpoints.
Bi+ antagonism is the fear of, hatred towards, or discrimination against bisexuality. Common stereotypes associated with bi+ antagonism include:
Bisexual erasure or invisibility is ignoring, removing, or re-explaining the evidence of bisexuality. Common examples associated with bisexual erasure or invisibility include:
Like bi+ antagonism, bisexual erasure or invisibility has profound effects on mental health in that it also invalidates and isolates bisexuals.
Talk to someone: It is important for bisexuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, and/or suicidal thoughts to seek professional help as soon as possible. Locating a bi-positive mental health provider may take time, but they are out there. The end of this brochure provides some resources that can help.
Find a bi+ community: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Ontario, Canada discovered that bisexuals associate positive mental health outcomes with social support, self-acceptance, volunteering, and belonging in a bisexual community. You can locate a group near you at www.biresource.org/find-a-bi-group/. More information about mental health and bisexuality can also be found at www.bihealthmonth.org.
Bisexuals can also improve their mental health by practicing self-care. Here are some self-care suggestions:
• Celebrate bisexuality through relevant movies, books, culture, and history.
• Wear bi+-pride colors or incorporate them into your lifestyle, whether through home
decorations, car bumper stickers, or office furnishings.
• Reach out to other members of the bi+ community, whether online or in person.
• Find some quiet time by taking mindful walks, practicing meditation, or doing yoga.
• Express yourself through writing stories, poetry, journal entries, and creating visual and musical art.
• Boost your self-esteem with positive, daily affirmations (“I am bisexual and proud!”).
• Practice healthy habits, such as eating nutritious meals, regularly exercising, and limiting the intake of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.
Bisexuality-Aware Professionals Directory
http://www.bizone.org/bap/
The GLBT National Help Center Hotline
1-888-843-4564
The Trevor Project Lifeline (for youth ages 13-24)
1-866-488-7386
San Francisco Human Rights Commission. (2011). “Bisexual Invisibility: Impacts and Recommendations.” https://sf-hrc.org/reports-research-investigations
The Open University. (2012). “The Bisexuality Report: Bisexual Inclusion in LGBT Equality and Diversity.” http://www.open.ac.uk/