Yolo Community Care Continuum’s Post

In observance of #MENAHeritageMonth, we are spotlighting the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ young people of Middle Eastern and North African heritage. Our research shows that 65% of MENA LGBTQ+ young people are at a higher risk to attempting suicide compared to their white peers. This stark reality emphasizes the need for specialized, culturally-informed mental health services that are accessible to all LGBTQ+ young people. When we advocate for tailored support systems that recognize the intersectionality of identity, culture, and mental health, we pave the way for LGBTQ+ young people of all backgrounds to get life-saving mental health care. This MENA Heritage Month, learn how to support and affirm Middle Eastern and North African LGBTQ+ young people by reading our research brief. Join us in ensuring everyone receives the mental health care that they deserve. Read the full research brief: https://lnkd.in/exn2U8xW

It's Pride Month: a time to celebrate love, diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community! However, while we celebrate the progress made so far, we recognize the work that still needs to be done. According to Mental Health America, LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQ+ identifying teens, and LGBTQ+ youth are over four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to heterosexual youth. Our blog written by Counslr’s Jessica Wolsiefer, LCSW explores the history of pride month, LGBTQ+ mental health, and what we can do to work towards an inclusive society for all. Read the blog on our website! https://lnkd.in/g8fwVrsx – Empathetic leaders choose Counslr to empower their people and make it simple for them to prioritize their mental health. Join the growing movement of revolutionizing mental health support and visit www.counslr.com to learn more. #mentalhealth #counslr 

LGBTQ+ youth and young adults are predisposed to mental health challenges due to minority stress, which may have been exacerbated by the pandemic and the lack of access to mental health resources. To counter this, clinicians have turned to LGBTQ+ affirmative practices, such as AFFIRM Online, the only evidence-based AFFIRMative CBT intervention for LGBTQ+ populations. The study recruited LGBTQ+ youth and young adults from Ontario, Canada who participated in at least half of the AFFIRM Online intervention. The study highlights how COVID-19, minority stressors, and experiences of abuse and neglect interacted and caused distress to LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in Ontario—yet their participation in AFFIRM Online helped them to develop coping skills and hope. 🌈 To read more about the study, visit https://lnkd.in/gyMSkwaZ

In honor of #WorldMentalHealthDay, this week we’re spotlighting mental health in the U.S. The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey revealed that the risk of suicide among #LGBTQ+ youth remains high, and access to needed mental health services is limited. Some findings:   ·   39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year ·   Among all LGBTQ+ young people, 84% wanted mental health care ·   50% of LGBTQ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it   Explore the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gagXa3ib   Young people deserve better. LGBTQ+ people deserve better. All people deserve better. At Freespira, we’re proud of our ongoing work to improve access to mental health treatment for all who need it.   #MIAW #mentalhealth #TheTrevorProject #worldmentalhealthday

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, it's important we acknowledge the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people. Research and studies from organizations across the globe show that LGBTQ+ people struggle with their mental health at higher rates than those who identify as heterosexual. This is paired with a lack of trust by the community in the healthcare system and larger systemic inequities in healthcare specific to LGBTQ+ needs. This all leads to unnecessarily problematic, dangerous, and unfair healthcare outcomes.     It’s why approaching health and wellbeing with an intersectional and inclusive lens, while prioritizing LGBTQ+ health and wellness specifically, is incredibly important.  For members of the community who are seeking resources and support, we encourage you to connect with other organizations like The Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline, and the LGBT National Hotline.  #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of mental health problems compared to their heterosexual peers. It is important for pediatric primary care providers to be aware of the risk and protective factors that make it more or less likely for LGBTQ+ youth to develop mental health problems. Read this article from the Child Mind Institute on the mental health challenges of LGBTQ+ youth: https://bit.ly/3wJyOz0

"For many children, the thought of going back to school is a source of extreme anxiety and depression. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ and transgender youth experience more bullying and violence, and as a result of stigmatization and discrimination, are more likely to experience depression and other mental health challenges than their peers." Read the full HCAI Blog by clicking the link below https://lnkd.in/ef2rfXf9 #LGBTQyouth #LGBTQstudents #LGBTQsupport

During #mentalhealthawareness month this year, let’s challenge ourselves to have conversations that expand beyond addressing mental health crises to recognize that we also need to invest in creating systems that promote #mentalwellness, especially for children and youth. Let’s challenge ourselves to have brave conversations that go beyond finding solutions to reduce inequities in access to mental health treatment to also identifying strategies to eliminate the #racism, #homophobia, and #ableism that increases the risk of suicide and other mental health challenges among people of color, LGBTQ+ folks, and people with disabilities. Mental wellness is not just an individual resource, it is a community resource. When more people in our communities experience mental well-being, we’re all better off. So let’s commit to not leaving anyone behind! You can start by educating yourself about the mental well-being of #LGBTQ youth. https://lnkd.in/dgBDcu_x

Suicide prevention is a critical issue for everyone, and it’s especially vital within the LGBTQ community. Studies show that LGBTQ individuals are more likely to have mental health problems and consider suicide compared to their cisgender peers. This increased risk has nothing to do with the person. It is due to factors like discrimination, social stigma, family rejection, and bullying. Understanding these challenges for LGBTQ folks is crucial. It will help ensure they receive the appropriate support and resources they need. In this blog, we will explore why LGBTQ folks are at higher risk for suicide and how services need to be specialized. We will also highlight 5 LGBTQ-specific suicide resources.

During Suicide Prevention Week, let's concentrate on meaningful data that can make a difference. The Trevor Project’s recent study paints a grim picture: LGBTQ+ youth attending schools with anti-LGBTQ+ policies are experiencing poorer mental health and higher suicide risk. Alarming statistics show that 78% of LGBTQ+ youth at these schools reported anxiety. These policies aren’t just words on paper—they have real, harmful impacts. It’s time to demand safe and affirming environments for every student. Together, we can change this. Read the study here: https://lnkd.in/gcYjqrPW #SuicidePreventionWeek