June is National Pride Month

June is National Pride Month, but with living within the LGBTQ+ Community comes a gambit of issues that cause many to feel like they should "self check out". There's so many reasons not to, even though you have religious bigots, and politicians trying to condemn and take away rights and freedoms that are not theirs to abolish. 

You matter! Your life matters! Your unique soul makes the world a brighter place. If your loved ones or the people around you are exhibiting those types of behaviors, please find the strength to carry on. If you are still living at home, one day you'll have a home filled with love and safety, surrounded by the family you create and deserve. 

But some tips to help you deal with mental health issues,  and dealing with anti LGBTQ issues

1. listen to some music

2. try to do something creative like paint or do a craft project

3. try going for a walk 

4. watch a funny movie/show/stand up

5. reach out to friends and family that you feel safe around, even if you are not feeling it. Sometimes just connecting with others helps us get out of our manic modes.

6. If you cant come out our feel unsafe doing so, join social media groups of like minded people to find that community and peer support. 

7. Take a nap. Sometimes just resting well help mentality reset things.

These things can help, but not always. If the depression is situational, just keep telling yourself its going to pass. You are your biggest cheerleader when you are in this state. You've got to dig deep, and find that strength to pull through. If you cant find the strength and just need to talk to an outside party or need a touch stone that isnt within your circle of friends or family here are some resources for you:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

​1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line

​Text HELLO to 741741

Alcoholics Anonymous

​(202) 966-9155

Narcotics Anonymous

1-800-543-4670

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Spanish)

1-888-628-9454

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233

Veterans Crisis Line

1-800-273-8255

National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-4673

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Options for Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

1-800-799-4889

Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-422-4453

​Trevor Lifeline LGBTQ+

    1-866-488-7386

​

Trevor Crisis Text 

Text the word START to 678678   *Standard messaging rates apply

Trans Life  

​1-877-565-8860

Elder LGBTQ+

1-877-360-5428

There's a whole world of love and support. Don't think that by reaching out to someone for help makes you less than or weak or a burden, because you are not a burden! You are loved, you are seen, you are needed, you are worthy, and you are enough!