It is so important to consider all the different ways LGBTQ+ people can get help for their mental health- whatever they’re struggling with. Especially because LGBTQ+ people experience higher rates of mental illness due to the stigma and stresses that come from living in a non accepting society. We want to talk about how peer support can be a really powerful tool in the LGBTQ+ community, and how connection with others leads to hope.<h2>You are not alone</h2>Professional peer support, at its core, is a mutual support system where individuals share their experiences and knowledge to help one another. It empowers individuals to understand that they are not alone, providing a platform for growth, acceptance, and resilience.&nbsp;For the LGBTQ+ community, this form of support holds a profound significance. The community, while vibrant and diverse, often faces unique mental health challenges. Stigma, discrimination, and the stress of living in a heteronormative society can contribute to higher rates of depression and anxiety.But, there is still hope! <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">Peer support</a> is a great way to foster connection within the LGBTQ+ community.&nbsp;<h2>What is peer support?</h2>Professional peer support is a type of mental health care that harnesses the power of shared experiences. It involves connecting with individuals who lived through similar experiences and offer support, empathy, and insight. The underlying philosophy is that those who have walked a similar path can provide a unique type of understanding and support.Connecting with a peer not about replacing professional mental health treatment. Rather, it complements such treatment by providing a sense of community and belonging. It offers a space for individuals to express their fears and concerns without judgment, fostering a sense of acceptance and shared resilience.Its power lies in its ability to create connections and inspire hope. For LGBTQ+ people, it can show you that everything you’ve lived through is completely valid. In talking with someone. With an LGBTQ background, they relate to what you’ve experiences and show you its possible to make it through&nbsp;<h2>Peer support and lgbt+ mental health:</h2><ul><li>Shared Understanding: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters?sexualityFilter=gay%2Cbisexual%2Cqueer%2Cpansexual">LGBTQ+ peer supporters</a> know what it’s like to feel different from friends and family, unsure of yourself, and scared of what happens after coming out. This makes supporters uniquely qualified to understand the mental health issues that come from being LGBTQ+ today.</li><li>Affirming Identities: The path to understand your identity as an LGBTQ+ person can be long and stressful. They can help reaffirm your identities by sharing their own identity journey, and answer any questions about lgbt+ experiences.</li><li>Reducing Isolation: Many LGBTQ+ individuals may feel isolated and disconnected from society or even their own families. Supporters create a sense of community and belonging, alleviating the loneliness that can exacerbate mental health issues.&nbsp;They can also foster lgbt+ support groups that expand community.</li><li>Coping Strategies: Peers can share coping strategies that have worked for them personally. Whether it’s dealing with discrimination, coming out, or managing anxiety, these strategies can be invaluable.</li><li>Challenging Stigma: Through their shared experiences and resilience, peers empower individuals to challenge stigma, advocate for their rights, share LGBTQ+ symbols, and become stronger allies to others in the community.</li><li>Access to Care: Peers can guide LGBTQ+ individuals to appropriate professional mental health services, helping them navigate the healthcare system, which can be especially vital when dealing with issues specific to sexual orientation and gender identity.</li><li>Empowerment and Resilience: Through the mentorship and support provided, LGBTQ+ individuals can develop a sense of empowerment and resilience that is crucial for their mental well-being.</li></ul><h2>Lgbt+ families and peer support: the science</h2>Researchers have also studied how members of the LGBTQ+ community can benefit. In “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273278696_Examining_the_Role_of_Peer_Relationships_in_the_Lives_of_Gay_and_Bisexual_Adolescents">Examining the Role of Peer Relationships in the Lives of Gay and Bisexual Adolescents,</a>” researchers discovered that having designated spaces for LGBTQ+ students, such as a gay straight alliance with an LGBTQ ally and gay youth organizations, can promote belonging and wellbeing. Cultivating safe spaces with a sense of community through peer support is transformative for LGBTQ youth.&nbsp;In “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mentalhealthjournal.org/articles/a-peersupport-mental-health-response-training-for-lgbtqia--adolescents.html">A Peer-Support Mental Health Response Training for LGBTQIA+ Adolescents</a>,” researchers taught LGBTQ youth support skills. The results indicated a significant increase in preparedness for dealing with panic attacks, anxiety attacks, and suicidal thoughts. Introducing peer support to LGBTQ+ individuals can not only drastically increase personal wellbeing, but the wellbeing of their friends.&nbsp;Meet Isaiah! <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters/isaiah-h?_gl=1*1bdin27*_up*MQ..*_ga*OTk4NDI2MjAyLjE3MDMwOTI2MzI.*_ga_H5SXK15P1X*MTcwMzA5MjYzMS4xLjAuMTcwMzA5MjYzMS4wLjAuMA..#">Isaiah</a> is apart of the LGBTQ+ community and is a professional peer supporter for peers.net. Isaiah is a peer supporter because they know how important it is to receive help, and they want to be there for everyone who needs it. Read more about Isaiah and book a session to speak about lgbt+ and families, gay youth organizations, and lgbt+ mental health <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters/isaiah-h?_gl=1*1bdin27*_up*MQ..*_ga*OTk4NDI2MjAyLjE3MDMwOTI2MzI.*_ga_H5SXK15P1X*MTcwMzA5MjYzMS4xLjAuMTcwMzA5MjYzMS4wLjAuMA..#">here</a>!<img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:870/868;height:auto;width:346px;" src="https://i0.wp.com/blog.peers.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-2023-12-20-at-12.17.47-pm.png?resize=870%2C868&amp;ssl=1" alt="This is Isaiah, a peer supporter with experiences in lgbt+ and families, lgbt+ mental health, and lgbt youth resources." width="870" height="868"><h2>Community, Understanding, and Hope</h2>Finding someone who really understands how it feels to be LGBTQ fosters a sense of understanding and community that alleviates mental health challenges. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters?sexualityFilter=gay%2Cbisexual%2Cqueer%2Cpansexual">LGBTQ Peer supporters</a> can relate to you and your struggles. The unique understanding, shared experiences, and tailored support that peers offer can make a world of difference in the lives of those grappling with their mental well-being.&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:center;">Peer support can help expand lgbt+ families and community</h3>As the world continues to progress towards LGBTQ+ acceptance, it is crucial that support networks are available for those who need them the most. Remember, you are not alone, and your mental well-being matters. Embrace your uniqueness and honesty- seek the support you need to thrive.We have more information and resources for the lgbtq+ community <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.peers.net/resource-links/">here</a>. We also talk about all the different parts of lgbtq+ health, mental, physical, and emotional, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.peers.net/2024/03/21/holistic-health-and-lgbtqia-health-week/">here!</a> &nbsp;

Erika Rowen

LGBT+ Mental Health

The Power of Community and Peer Support

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