Happy Pride Month, friends! We always love this time of year. While the Diversity Collective is holding our Ventra County Pride Festival in August this time around, there are still plenty of events in the area that you can tap into to celebrate. We’ve got lots to do in honor of Pride Month 2022!
We would argue that a key part of honoring this month also means checking in with yourself, whether you’re LGBTQ+ or an ally, and with the people in your community. Mental health is a very real challenge for people who identify as LGBTQ+.
Why mental health matters during Pride Month 2022
Statistically speaking, if you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or intersex — basically, if you don’t conform to a heterosexual, cisgender identity — you’re more likely to face mental health challenges. In fact, of the 5.8 million Americans who identify as LGB, nearly 40% have reported mental illness in the last year.
And it’s understandable. There are decades of human rights abuses in the rearview. And even as social stigmas are starting to fall away, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any place on earth where there aren’t at least a handful of closed-minded people.
It’s a double-edged sword. Do you come out and face discrimination? Or do you live a closeted life and hide your true self? The science says: come out. Studies show that after coming out, bisexual, gay, and lesbian people experienced less:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Burnout
During Pride Month 2022, know two things: 1. Historically, LGBTQ+ individuals have been more likely to deal with mental health challenges. 2. Things are changing. Being open and seeking care (like therapy) when you need it can help you lead a healthy, happy life.
The mental health crisis in the trans community
Now, we want to focus specifically on the trans community. While a lot of progress has been made to end stigmas for LGB people, trans people are at the beginning of that fight. The public eye is just now shifting to you. And the way political players are eliminating your rights to gender-affirming care, sports opportunities, and even bathrooms is alarming.
First, please know that there are people on your side — people who care about you and want you to be able to live life as your true self. You are not in this alone.
Secondly, know that if you have dark days, you’re not alone there either. The American Psychiatric Association reports that transgender people are significantly more likely to deal with anxiety and depression. More pressingly, roughly 30% have contemplated suicide.
It’s not easy to be trans in America right now. But you have a right to a happy, healthy life. Don’t give up and don’t hesitate to ask people for support when you need it.
Getting help when you need it
If you deal with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges — and especially if you’ve ever had thoughts of killing yourself — talk to someone. Choose someone you trust who you know has your best interests in mind. This could be a friend, a family member, a teacher, or a boss. It’s hard to open up about what you’re feeling, but keeping it in is only going to make you feel heavier.
If you don’t have someone you can go to, or if you’re ready to get more targeted mental health care, we’re here. Our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center offers dedicated therapy, plus a broad range of other services, to our LGBTQ+ patients. To talk about what might be right for you, get in touch.
