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May 28, 2024
For Mental Health Awareness Month (May), we want to encourage all sapphics to look after their mental health. If you are someone who struggles with anxiety, depression, or other challenges (diagnosed or undiagnosed), just know you are not alone. 69% of HER users report experiencing mental health challenges, a figure that jumps to 76% for Gen Z users.
To combat the mental health crisis affecting our community, today we’re launching a series of articles aimed at supporting you on your wellness journey, brought to you in partnership with BetterHelp. Expect expert-led resources and tips that will help you be more in touch with yourself – and get the support you need.
Finding the right mental health support can be a journey, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals who often face unique challenges. Fortunately, there are numerous resources across the U.S. that are dedicated to providing the help you need. Whether you’re seeking a therapist who understands your experiences, a support group where you can share your story, or educational materials to better understand your mental health, there’s something out there for you.
The Trevor Project is a fantastic starting point, especially if you’re a young person looking for support. This organization offers a 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline. They also have a text line and an online chat, making it easy to reach out in the way that feels most comfortable for you. Beyond crisis intervention, The Trevor Project provides a wealth of educational resources on mental health, coming out, and navigating life as an LGBTQ+ individual.
Sometimes, our mental health journey is intertwined with the support we receive from our loved ones. PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is an incredible resource for families and allies. With chapters all over the U.S., PFLAG offers support meetings where families can learn and grow together. They also provide educational resources and advocacy training, helping families understand the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
If you’re looking for a therapist who truly gets your lived experience, especially if you’re a person of color, the NQTTCN is a great place to start. This network connects queer and trans people of color with affirming mental health practitioners. They understand the complex interplay of race, gender, and sexuality, and they aim to provide culturally competent care. Their directory is a goldmine for finding someone who resonates with your specific needs.
Across the U.S., many cities have LGBTQ+ centers that serve as community hubs. These centers often provide counseling services, support groups, and educational workshops. They can be a great place to connect with others in your community who understand what you’re going through. For example, The Los Angeles LGBT Center offers a wide range of mental health services, from individual therapy to group counseling, while the Ali Forney Center in New York provides support specifically for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
In our digital age, online communities can be a lifeline. Websites like It Gets Better Project offer inspirational stories and resources to help you navigate your mental health journey. Reddit also has numerous supportive communities, like r/lgbt and r/askgaybros, where you can share your experiences and get advice from others who have been there.
For those moments when you need immediate support but aren’t in the mood to talk on the phone, the Crisis Text Line is a fantastic option. Text “HELLO” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. This service is available 24/7 and is a great resource for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
Don’t underestimate the power of technology in managing your mental health. Services like BetterHelp offer online therapy that’s accessible and affordable. On BetterHelp, you can connect with a therapist who specializes in LGBTQ+ care and get support for everything from depression and anxiety to relationship challenges. After 6 weeks of therapy on BetterHelp, 69% of users report improved anxiety symptoms, and 73% report improved depression symptoms.*
Additionally, the HER in-app communities exist to help you connect with other users over shared identity traits or interests. Don’t hesitate to find mutual support by taking advantage of this feature.
*Over 28,500 BetterHelp clients took standard anxiety and depression tests in 2023 (GAD-7/PHQ-9) upon starting therapy and again 3 months later.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you’re reaching out to a hotline, joining a support group, or finding a therapist, there are countless resources designed to support your mental health journey. Embrace these opportunities, connect with others, and know that you’re not alone in this. Your mental health matters, and there are communities ready to welcome and support you every step of the way.
Stay tuned for more helpful tips and resources from HER and BetterHelp. In the meantime, we leave you with these helpful reminders from two BetterHelp therapists:
“Our brains are wired to notice things that feel unsafe or dangerous. We love them for that, and we also love to give them a break from time to time. By connecting with safe communities and supportive resources, we can reassure our brains that we’re not alone. It’s a brave act to acknowledge we need help, but it’s an incredible step toward healing and relief.”
Sarah Close, LPC
“There are so many factors that impact our mental health on a daily basis and mental health impacts us all differently. How we are feeling and what we are experiencing can often create a sense of loneliness or the feeling that we exist in a vacuum. But, the good news is: There is support for those who are seeking it. Taking the first step in any journey is always the hardest but you are not alone and there are far more resources available to us today than ever before. There is never a “right” time to ask for help either so wherever you are in your journey, know that you do not have to be alone while going through it.”
Sreela Roy-Greene, PhD, LMHC
Mook's in charge of the media partnerships at HER, where she's all about boosting queer voices. She makes sure every partnership is real and lively. She's also the go-to for projects in Thailand. Mook's got her hands in a bunch of stuff like testing things on the App Store and Play Store, managing guides on Apple Maps, and setting up in-app events. On the practical side, she keeps an eye on results, works on sales case studies, and takes care of stuff on WordPress.
