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Advice from Experts on Taking Care of Your Emotional Well-Being as an LGBTQIA+ Person

April 5, 2023

EXPLORE

Mental Health

As an LGBTQIA+ individual, you may be subjected to unique mental health challenges due to societal stigma or discrimination. It is of utmost importance that you take proactive steps towards caring for your emotional well-being in order to stave off any potential issues and lead a healthy, balanced life. From understanding the different types of triggers affecting the LGBTQIA+ community and learning how to practice self-care effectively to addressing deeper feelings such as grief, anger, or guilt - this guide will provide useful insight into how you can better manage your feelings while also feeling empowered and validated by recognizing the strength within yourself. Experts have identified specific strategies that can help with this process, let's explore them:

  • Identify and express your feelings – Take time to check in with yourself regularly and take note of how you’re feeling. Find a healthy outlet for expressing any difficult emotions that come up, such as talking to a trusted friend or writing in a journal.
  • Prioritize self-care and positive activities – Make sure to set aside time for engaging in activities that bring you joy and help to reduce stress, such as reading, listening to music, connecting with friends, or going for a walk outdoors.
  • Seek out professional help if needed – If you find yourself struggling with persistent negative thoughts or behaviors, seek out the help of a mental health professional who can provide additional support and resources.
  • Connect with community organizations – Look into local LGBTQIA+ organizations in your area for support groups or events that foster community and wellness conversations amongst members of the LGBT community. (Strengthen)
  • Learn about intersectional identities – Research into the unique experiences faced by individuals who identify with multiple marginalized communities (e.g., transgender people of color). Doing so can help you feel more informed and connected to others who may be able to relate more directly to your own experiences based on shared identity connections (Explore)
  • Stay informed on current issues – Keeping up with current issues related to LGBTQIA+ rights, health care access, or other topics concerning the community can be an important source of motivation and strength during difficult times.
  • Practice affirmations – Positive affirmations are powerful tools for restoring hope and self-confidence when feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges.
  • Surround yourself with supportive people – Connecting with those who are accepting and understanding of your identity is key to cultivating emotional resilience during hard times.
  • Advocate for yourself – Don’t be afraid to stand up for your needs or voice disagreements when it feels safe to do so within certain settings (e.g., family gatherings). It is important that we practice asserting ourselves so that our individual boundaries are respected within various contexts.
  • Give back – Volunteering your time or energy towards causes that benefit marginalized communities can provide an important sense of purpose which can often lead you to an increased sense of well-being overall.
  • Ultimately, it is important that you take steps to address and manage the mental health challenges you might be facing as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Employing self-care strategies that are best suited for your individual needs can help you foster an environment of holistic emotional well-being that will serve you in the present and future. The resources and strategies provided in this guide should be used to help you create a plan of action tailored to your specific requirements. There is tremendous power within our community, both in terms of resilience and strength. Finding guidance from experts on taking care of your emotional well-being as an LGBTQIA+ person can empower you to take control of how issues affect your mental health status, while honoring the unique experiences of everyone within our wonderful rainbow of identities. By practicing self-care with kindness, compassion, and dignity, we collectively can make sure that no one in our community is ever forgotten or left unseen.

    Written By: 

    Kollyn Conrad

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