M. C.’s Post

LGBTQIA+ youth face unique challenges, including discrimination, bullying, and mental health struggles. It's crucial to provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive. Here are some ways you can help: Create Safe Spaces: Ensure that schools, community centers, and homes are safe and welcoming environments where LGBTQIA+ youth can express themselves without fear of judgment or harm. Offer Emotional Support: Be a listening ear and provide encouragement. Let LGBTQIA+ youth know they are valued and loved just as they are. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about LGBTQIA+ issues and rights. Share this knowledge to foster understanding and acceptance within your community. Advocate for Inclusion: Support policies and practices that promote equality and protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in schools and workplaces. Connect to Resources: Guide LGBTQIA+ youth to supportive organizations, hotlines, and online communities that offer help and information. By taking these steps, we can make a significant difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported. Together, we can build a more inclusive and loving community. #SupportLGBTQYouth #PrideMonth #YouthEmpowerment #InclusiveCommunity #SafeSpaces #LoveIsLove #LGBTQIASupport #MentalHealthMatters #FelicityCounseling #Pride2024 #CommunityLove #YouthAdvocacy #EqualityForAll #CelebrateDiversity #StandWithLGBTQYouth #ProudAlly

The Child and Youth Care Association of Alberta acknowledges the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ2S+ young people, who encounter discrimination across various facets of society; and we are acutely aware of the heightened vulnerability and increased risk for mental health, self harm and suicide for LGBTQ2S+ young people. Unlike other groups, LGBTQ2S+ individuals often find themselves at the center of public debate and condemnation merely for being who they are. Aligned with our code of ethics we commit to cultivating an environment that not only recognizes but actively upholds and promotes the rights of LGBTQ2S+ youth and the broader LGBTQ2S+ community. Restricting young people from expressing their gender identity at school without unwavering parental support can intensify feelings of isolation and rejection, resulting in severe emotional distress. Therefore, we emphasize the urgent need to prioritize the mental health and well-being of young individuals by fostering an inclusive and affirming environment. Rather than imposing barriers that contribute to vulnerability, it is imperative to empower and support young people in their journey towards self-discovery and self-expression. #childandyouthcare #cycaa #transgendersupport 🌈

#PrideMonthThrowback The Pride Month, however, has come to an end, our commitment to fostering inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community in education, healthcare, housing, employment, and beyond continues to thrive. Reflecting back on the previous month brings us to an inspiring session where our amazing collaborators and speakers delved into essential topics. We explored the significance of sensitization workshops in educational institutions, strategies to create employability, the creation of community centers for #LGBTQIA+ individuals, mental health and career success, development of inclusive healthcare services for the trans* community, and many more. The Inclusion Adda is an initiative under the Mentoring and Networking hub of #PULSECoE, funded by Avery Dennison. With the support of our partners and co-travelers, we have successfully conducted over four webinars. Such conversations pave the way for participants to initiate change in their environments, combating queerphobia and promoting inclusivity. Raising awareness on gender and sexuality issues is crucial to achieving true inclusion in our predominantly heteronormative society. Let's continue this journey together! #InclusionMatters #LGBTQIA #PrideThrowback #InclusiveEducation #HealthcareForAll #CommunityCenters #TransRights #TogetherForChange

A recently published UHF report: The Ripple Effects of the Adolescent Behavioral Health Crisis provides a comprehensive analysis of the behavioral health issues among adolescents in the United States, with a focused lens on New York State and New York City. This is a much-needed summary of the critical issues facing adolescents with actionable recommendations for healthcare professionals and policymakers. Check out my blog post where I delve into the specific challenges and recommendations for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. https://wix.to/IGyGMig #newblogpost

🌈 Mental Health is Health: Supporting Sexual Minority Youth 🌈 In celebrating #Pride, it’s crucial to remember that mental health is health. This is especially true for sexual minority youth, who often face unique challenges that can impact their mental well-being. Sexual minority youth—those who identify as LGBTQ+—are more likely to experience mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. These challenges often stem from stigma, discrimination, and a lack of acceptance. 🔹 Key Points to Consider: Safe Spaces Matter: Providing supportive environments where LGBTQ+ youth feel safe and accepted is vital. Schools, communities, and online platforms should be inclusive and affirming. Listen and Validate: Listening to the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth without judgment and validating their feelings can make a significant difference in their mental health. Access to Resources: Ensuring access to mental health resources tailored for LGBTQ+ youth, including therapy, support groups, and crisis intervention, is essential. Education and Advocacy: Educating ourselves and others about the challenges faced by sexual minority youth and advocating for policies that protect their rights and well-being. Together, we can create a world where every young person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive and live authentically. For more insights, resources, and support, follow my mental health resource Instagram: @lemon_n_lavendar. 🍋💜 Remember, #MentalHealthIsHealth. Let’s support and uplift our LGBTQ+ youth today and every day. 🌟 #MentalHealthAwareness #LGBTQYouth #SupportAndAcceptance #InclusiveCommunity #PrideMonth #WellbeingForAll

🤔 How can we, as educators and community leaders, transform our spaces into sanctuaries of support for LGBTQ+ teens? As a NYC educator transitioning into mental health therapy… I’ve seen the profound impact of inclusivity on the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ adolescents. Fostering Acceptance: Inclusivity starts with acceptance. It’s about affirming LGBTQ+ identities, not merely tolerating them. We need to create environments where every teen feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are. This acceptance is foundational to their mental health and overall well-being. Safe Spaces and Support Systems: Building safe spaces isn’t just about physical safety; it’s about emotional and psychological safety too. This means having open, non-judgmental communication channels, and support systems that address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ teens. Education and Awareness: Awareness is key to combating stigma and misinformation. It’s crucial to educate not just the teens but also their peers, educators, and families. Knowledge breeds empathy, and empathy fosters a supportive community. Proactive Mental Health Support: Mental health support tailored to LGBTQ+ teens is vital. It involves understanding their specific experiences and providing resources and counseling that resonate with their unique journey. Empowering Through Representation: Visibility matters. Including LGBTQ+ voices and stories in curricula and discussions helps normalize these experiences, showing teens they are not alone. - - - 📣 Take Action Today: Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ teens? 💻 Visit https://lnkd.in/e4Bz4Ysw to collaborate on creating inclusive, empathetic environments that nurture the mental health of our youth. #LGBTQSupport #InclusiveEducation #MentalHealthMatters

"It doesn't take many micros to make it macro."-Donald M. Bell👏 👏 👏 I really appreciated this recorded presentation and panel discussion on the importance of health care clinicians using inclusive language. Some highlights: 💡Correct invalidating medical forms (e.g. not only providing the choices of he/she). 💡Connect children's mental health to "social prosperity," instead of the disempowering term of "vulnerability." 💡"One's identity belongs to one's self." Don't make assumptions around addressing someone (e.g. defaulting to first name or assuming a gender identity). 💡Don't deadname a person and then use your power to put the blame back on them for your mistake. 💡Default to person-first language and ask how the individual wants to be addressed. 💡"What is your responsibility as a person of privilege of getting us to a place of social equity, where we can realize the value of all people?"-Donald M. Bell 💡Use empowering language and ask for collective preferred terms (e.g. same gender loving). If you want to further explore inclusive language you may consider: 🧠Gender Reveal (podcast): https://lnkd.in/ek_gP3Hf 🧠American Psychological Association Inclusive Language Guide: https://lnkd.in/eBAm6kAG 🧠NIH: Words Matter - Terms to Use and Avoid When Talking About Addiction: https://lnkd.in/eJjF5v2Q #deib #inclusionmatters #inclusiveeducation #equity #equitymatters #healthcare #medicine #wecandobetter "This webinar is hosted in partnership with the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center, the African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, the E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, and the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity." https://lnkd.in/epFHJxtR

Someone to call, someone to respond, and a place to go: Two years since launch, 988’s promises are coming true in Washington (From the Office of Jay Inslee) This month marks the second anniversary of the launch of Washington’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. At launch, the promise for the future of Washington’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was threefold: someone to call, someone to respond, and a place to go. Two years later, efforts are underway to build the system by marshaling response and care resources. Personalized lifelines offer culturally competent counseling for veterans, LGBTQ+ youth, and Native help-seekers. Twelve new or expanded crisis response teams are operating statewide. The state Department of Health is in the process of policymaking for new walk-in stabilization centers and other 'places to go' for people in crisis. As many as 8,600 people call 988 monthly, and another 2,100 people text the lifeline. It's helping people. And as more response and care resources come online, it will help many more. #SuicidePrevention #CrisisHelp

Freedom and Growth are proudly able to offer Drawing and Talking play work. We are ready to help children on waiting lists and support those who having suffered trauma or dealing with pain but are not ready to talk about it. This is what sets it apart from solution-focused and cognitive based therapies or interventions. It is a tier 2 intervention recognised by CAMHs. Suitable for children who are: Child of separated parents Adopted / fostered Young parents Young caregivers LGBTQ+ Socially disadvantaged Bereaved Ill or disabled Bullied or a bully Neurodiverse Suffering from: Trauma Anxiety, stress or phobias Disrupted or disturbed sleep The effects of domestic violence Inability to make friends Inability to play Being withdrawn Inappropriate behaviour Peer or sibling disputes The Drawing and Talking therapeutic technique is a powerful adult/child centred intervention. As Drawing and Talking practioners, we can offer effective intervention in person or online. #camhs #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalwellbeing #emotions #trauma #trysomethingdifferent #process #drawing #talking #therapeutic #freedom #growth #support #childrensemotionalhealth #hinchexpress