By: Derrick Owens, Government Grant Development Specialist at Community Health Network
For any person, mental health impacts and determines how one handles stress, relationships, and decision-making. It not only involves emotional, psychological, and social well-being, but it plays a huge role in one’s overall physical well-being.
The LGBTQIA+ (LGBT) community has higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns compared to their non-LGBT counterparts, regardless of age. (1) Based on responses from the Household Pulse Survey in 2022, conducted by The U.S. Census, LGBT adults reported higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms than non-LGBT respondents. Additionally, it is reported that adults within the LGBT community have experienced more mental health challenges than non-LGBT adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although being LGBT is not a mental health illness, many LGBT individuals experience shame, discrimination, and traumatic events based on their sexual orientation. This can lead to a negative effect on someone’s mental and emotional well-being. In addition, many people in the LGBT community are part of other marginalized communities, such as people of color, disabled, and low socioeconomic status.
However, many LGBT people can learn to thrive with the support of family, close friends, community, and self-care practices. It is encouraged for everyone, including LGBT individuals, to engage in self-care activities to improve their mental health. Here are some tips that can help tremendously:
Seek counseling or therapy. Talking to a professional about your mental health and life experiences is extremely beneficial. You’ll learn more about yourself and tips on how to manage your mental health.
Exercise and eat healthily. Engaging in a healthy physical lifestyle can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Activities include eating more fruits and vegetables, stretching, and jogging for a short period of time.
Connect with loved ones. Having a support group with close family and friends will help in a big way. It is important to include people who make you feel safe and loved. You’ll have the opportunity to share feelings, life experiences, and opinions. You can stay connected with loved ones through text messages, phone calls, and meet-ups. Additionally, being in a space with others that you can relate to can be very beneficial.
Self-care is about implementing minor activities that can help improve your mental and physical health. Once you start working on your mental health, you can help others and encourage them to improve their mental health using similar methods. Everyone should do what they can to love one another and provide support in any way.
“Remember that you matter! Self-care begins with self-love. Don’t allow someone else to determine your self-worth and value. You are more than enough, so be true to yourself. If you need emotional support, healthy coping mechanisms, and someone to talk to, professionals at CHN are here for you”.
Demeatraus Minter, Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor and Therapist
For more information on behavioral health and self-care, please contact Community Health Network at (281) 824-1480.
Community Health Network (MyCHN) provides behavioral health services, including mental health counseling & therapy, psychiatric services, and group therapy sessions to those in need. The agency will work to provide the healthcare and services needed for all patients, regardless of sexual orientation, age, gender, or national origin.
