5 super-relatable Reasons Why the LGBT+ Community Benefits from Therapy:
October in Atlanta is PRIDE month, which means rainbows are everywhere! PRIDE specials are in every restaurant and bar, and the week-long Atlanta PRIDE Festival is upon us! This is a time for the LGBT+ community to celebrate and take PRIDE in the progress we've made since the Stonewall Riots of 1968!
Celebrating PRIDE however, still comes with its own set of challenges. Despite the growing acceptance in our society, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are all still very real perspectives of some. The LGBT+ community still face exhausting micro-aggressions and discrimination on a regular basis, which often result in depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The negative effects of other people’s hatred is all too real. Therapy can be helpful and sometimes life-saving for the LGBT+ community. Why you ask?
1. Because you're still figuring yourself out, and that sh*t is hard!
Realizing who you are and what labels are right for you can be confusing and discouraging in today's cis- and heteronormative society. Maybe you don't have any LGBT+ role models, or you haven't heard of any gender identity or sexuality that seems to fit exactly who you are yet. Having to constantly define and defend yourself is exhausting! Therapists can be informative, and they can be sounding boards for you to discuss all those thoughts and questions you have about yourself.
2. Because you need to LOVE YOSELF!
Familial or social support can be sparse after coming out. People you love and care about may reject you based on religion or societal rules. Therapy is meant to be affirming. And you can learn how to love yoself! Therapy can also help in finding a support network who loves you for who you are!
3. Because you're fed up with micro-aggressions
From your parents introducing your partner as a "friend" or calling your identity a "phase" to the homeless man giving you the stink-eye for holding your partner’s hand, micro-aggressions add up over time and ultimately create lasting hurtful marks, making LGBT+ people feel uncomfortable in their own skin. LGBT+ affirming therapy can help you cope with micro-aggressions and give you the tools to respond to them in a productive way so you can rebuild your confidence and live your best life.
4. Because people don't understand, and you're tired of explaining
Parents, friends, teachers, and even doctors are often lacking in understanding LGBT+ terminology, culture, and relationships. Some people ask questions to educate themselves, and that's great! Other people ask questions like “Who’s the man in your relationship?” that make us roll our eyes and groan. Either way, constant questioning and having to explain yourself over and over again is a beating, and often lead to feelings of resentment. Therapy can help you process those feelings while learning the coping skills to help you deal with your feelings when things start to become overwhelming.
5. Because life is hard and society is scary!
In our current political climate, it's more important than ever for the LGBT+ community to be mindful of our mental health. Therapy can help to alleviate some of the fear and anxiety you might have about current events, and help you to see clearly the ways that you can live your life and be happy wherever you are.