Every year, during the month of June, Pride Month is celebrated in various ways to recognize the influence that LGBTQ+ people have had around the world and to pay tribute to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 that kicked off the modern LGTBQ+ rights movement.

Although being a member of the LGBTQ+ community does not necessarily increase the risk for mental health issues, members of the community may experience heightened stressors which can impact mental wellness. These stressors can arise from the way people view or treat them. For instance, if someone grows up in a place that is not accepting of sexual or gender diversity, an individual may experience trauma or develop symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health challenges because they live in a society or community that doesn’t accept them. Another stressor that may be experienced is the breakdown of connections with family and close circles that develop into estrangements.  

One in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, but for members of the LGBTQ+ community, the statistic is closer to three in five adults. Having a strong support system is critical for wellness.

How to Have the Talk is a helpful resource that supports people in talking openly about mental health with LGBTQ+ loved ones. This resource is offered by Envision:You, a Colorado LGBTQ+ mental health and substance use disorder initiative that aims to support, educate, and empower members of the state’s LGBTQ community who are living with mental health and/or substance use disorders.

Visit Envision:You and check out more resources for the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

At North Range Behavioral Health, we know that encouraging and supporting a person to live authentically is essential to mental wellness. Because of this, North Range is committed to creating safe and supportive spaces for all, where the authentic self can be heard, seen, and valued.