During Pride Month, we sometimes forget that for every festival and parade, there is someone sitting at home alone, afraid to come out to someone, being bullied, and maybe even thinking of taking their own life. Today I want to share 5 Mental Health Resources Every LGBTQ+ Advocate Should Know (Not Just Therapy). Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, which faces unique challenges. I myself have had issues dealing with coming out, a sense of loneliness and feeling "less than" our straight friends, as do so many in our community. I speak out about this as often as I can, including my podcasts and helping out friends and family. Here are five essential resources that go beyond traditional therapy:
The Trevor Project - Offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. The Trevor Project is a leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. Their services include the TrevorLifeline, a 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service, TrevorChat, an online messaging service, and TrevorText, a text-based support system. The Trevor Project also offers self-care guides, educational materials, and a supportive online community. Their comprehensive approach makes them a vital resource for young LGBTQ+ individuals in crisis . https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
You can chat with them Call: 1-866-488-7386 Text: 678-678
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) - NQTTCN connects LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those of color, with mental health professionals who share their cultural backgrounds and experiences. This network acknowledges the unique challenges faced by queer and trans people of color and aims to provide culturally competent care. By offering a directory of qualified therapists and various community-based mental health programs, NQTTCN is an invaluable resource for those seeking culturally sensitive support . https://nqttcn.com/en/
Trans Lifeline - Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. Their hotline is staffed by transgender individuals, providing peer support in times of need. Trans Lifeline also offers microgrants to help cover the costs associated with legal name changes and updating identification documents, which can be a significant source of stress for transgender people. This dual approach of emotional and practical support helps address the multifaceted needs of the trans community. https://translifeline.org/
US (877) 565-8860 CAN (877) 330-6366 Mon-Fri: 10am – 6pm PST / 1pm – 9pm EST
LGBT National Help Center - The LGBT National Help Center provides free and confidential peer-support and local resources to LGBTQ+ individuals. Their services include the LGBT National Hotline, LGBT National Youth Talkline, and LGBT National Senior Hotline, each tailored to different age groups. These hotlines offer one-on-one peer support and information about local resources. Additionally, the Help Center hosts weekly chat rooms for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults, creating a safe space for connection and support. https://lgbthotline.org/
888-843-4564 LGBT NATIONAL HOTLINE
888-688-5428 LGBT NATIONAL COMING OUT SUPPORT HOTLINE
800-246-7743 LGBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE
888-234-7243 LGBT NATIONAL SENIOR HOTLINE
Mindfulness and Meditation Apps - Apps like Headspace and Calm offer a range of guided meditations and mindfulness exercises specifically designed to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression. These apps can be particularly beneficial for LGBTQ+ individuals, providing accessible tools to support mental well-being. Some apps offer specific content for the LGBTQ+ community, addressing unique challenges and promoting mental health through mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
These resources provide a comprehensive approach to supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing both immediate crisis intervention and long-term well-being.
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