Central Co-op’s Post

It’s Transgender Awareness Week! We are showing our support for trans and gender diverse communities. 🌈 It’s important to acknowledge that transgender people can be at an increased risk of alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems (Department of Health and Aged Care 2017). These increased risks may come from many sources, including stigma and discrimination, familial issues, and lack of support. This is why it’s vital that Alcohol and other Drugs Services create inclusive spaces for transgender people to seek treatment. 💙 ACON, Mental Health Coordinating Council, Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) , and the Central and Eastern Sydney PHN created The LGBTQ+ Inclusive and Affirming Practice Guidelines to support AOD and mental health workers by providing valuable guidelines on inclusive and affirming practice.  Find the resource here - https://lnkd.in/gP2jK4jZ  We are a no-barriers service and offer treatment and support to everyone. If you, or someone you know, needs support with substance use please contact us on 1800 397 739.  #inclusive #aodtreatment

🌈 Resilience and Resistance: A Strengths-Based Approach to Trans and Gender Diverse Communities 🌈 Join us for this empowering webinar that challenges deficit-based narratives often found around transgender communities, even within some LGBTQIA+ training programs. Together, we will explore how to embrace the resilience, authenticity, and strength of trans and gender diverse individuals in social work practice. Register Now: https://lnkd.in/gD33K9VV Our presenter, Kai Niezgoda, an Accredited Social Worker with over a decade of experience in LGBTQIA+ communities, will share practical strategies and insights on reframing deficit-based narratives. Kai's expertise spans mental health, disability, and education, and they are dedicated to promoting affirming practices in social work. 🎥 Watch Kai's video where they discuss the power of resilience in trans and gender diverse communities and offer a glimpse of the upcoming webinar. #LGBTQIA #SocialWork #StrengthsBased #TransResilience #InclusivePractice #ProfessionalDevelopment #SocialWorkers #MentalHealth #TransRights #GenderDiverse #Equality #CPD #LGBTQIAInclusion #AffirmingCare #SocialJustice

Save the date for this webinar from our Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity! This webinar is aimed at practitioners and researchers interested in supporting transgender and gender expansive survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Newly published research examines subdomains of transphobia-driven IPV, a unique form of IPV that leverages systemic transphobia in the context of intimate and romantic relationships. In this webinar, the sub-domains will be defined alongside quotes from survivors to ground these concepts in lived experiences. Participants will learn about existing transphobia-driven IPV screening tools and understand which are best suited to capture all aspects of this phenomenon. Learn more & register: lgbtqequity.org/learn/

🌈 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

🗣️ Why do we only think about the mental health needs of marginalized communities when it's a trending topic? Issues like culturally competent care, multilingual counseling services, culturally tailored therapy programs, and LGBTQ+ affirming care practices need consistent attention, not just during Pride Month or Mental Health Awareness Month. Culturally competent care is essential for supporting the mental health needs of marginalized communities. Culturally tailored therapy programs recognize and respect the unique experiences of diverse populations, offering more effective and relatable support. LGBTQ+ affirming care practices are crucial for creating safe and inclusive environments where individuals can express themselves freely and receive the care they deserve. These initiatives are not just checkboxes to be ticked during awareness months. They need to be integrated into our daily practices and continually reinforced. Addressing mental health with a cultural competence lens helps bridge the gap in mental health disparities and fosters a more inclusive society. Let's commit to making culturally competent care a permanent priority. The well-being of our marginalized communities depends on it. #MentalHealth #CulturallyCompetentCare #InclusiveCare #LGBTQAffirming #MultilingualCounseling #MentalHealthAwareness #DiversityAndInclusion

On International Non-Binary People's Day, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of supportive social circles and accessible mental health providers in promoting the well-being of LGBTQ and gender diverse individuals. These factors play a significant role in helping them navigate challenging environments and achieving better mental health outcomes. As mental health professionals, it is our responsibility to uplift and support our non-binary and gender-diverse clients. This requires providing intersectional, trauma-informed, and person-centered care that prioritizes their needs and empowers them. A fundamental way to show solidarity and respect for our clients is by honoring their names and pronouns. This simple act can help prevent self-harm and suicide within the LGBTQ community. Additionally, we must advocate for inclusive and decolonized service provision that is accessible, respectful, and dignified for individuals of all genders, including those who identify as non-binary or gender diverse. Let's unite in our support for equality and advocate for accessible mental health services. Mental health providers can contribute to the well-being of non-binary and gender-diverse clients by creating an inclusive and affirming environment, offering culturally competent care, providing gender-affirming therapy, collaborating with other professionals, and advocating for policy changes that promote inclusivity and support for gender identities. #SupportEquality #MentalHealthAdvocacy 🌟 #NonBinarySupport #InclusiveSpaces 🌟 #InternationalNonBinaryPrideDay

💚🌍 Today is World Mental Health Day 🌍💚 Mental health impacts us all, but the LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges, particularly in the workplace. 🌈 💔In the UK: • 52% of LGBTQ+ people have experienced depression in the past year (Stonewall: LGBT in Britain - Health Report, 2018). • 1 in 8 LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18-24 have attempted to take their own life (Stonewall: LGBT in Britain - Health Report, 2018). • 61% of trans people experience anxiety compared to the general population (Stonewall: LGBT in Britain - Trans Report, 2018). As businesses, it's crucial to recognise these challenges and take proactive steps to create safe, supportive, and inclusive work environments for LGBTQ+ employees. Investing in mental health support, inclusive policies, and creating spaces where employees can bring their whole selves to work is key to fostering well-being and productivity. Let’s use World Mental Health Day as a call to action. Together, we can break the stigma around mental health and build workplaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued. 🌟 #WorldMentalHealthDay #LGBTQMentalHealth #InclusiveWorkplaces #MentalHealthMatters #DiversityAndInclusion

As we close out #PrideMonth, check out our latest blog. "In the not-so-distant past, being LGBTQ+ was pathologized by mental health professionals. Thankfully, society has evolved, and we now recognize that sexual orientation and gender identity are natural variations of human experience. However, embracing your authentic self can still be a challenging process. Whether coming out to others or working on self-discovery and acceptance, aligning with one's authentic LGBTQ+ identity takes work. Mental health counseling and support play crucial roles in this journey, fostering resilience, self-acceptance, and overall well-being." Read more: https://lnkd.in/eXaFhaMq

There's no denying the stark statistics surrounding LGBTQIA+ adverse mental health outcomes. These figures become even more concerning when we consider the impact on Black, Latine, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Within our health care system, medical mistrust runs deep—for good reason and with significant repercussions. Trigger warning: Take, for instance, this troubling data from The Human Rights Campaign, LGBTQ+ high schoolers of color face a higher likelihood of attempting suicide (27%) compared to their LGBTQ+ counterparts (22%) and non-LGBTQ+ peers (5%) in the U.S. These statistics aren't just numbers; they represent individuals within our community. Our community's safety starts with prioritizing the mental and emotional well-being of all individuals, especially within the LGBTQIA+ population. Representation in the medical field is crucial to dealing with these issues head-on—did you know that less than 1% of health care workers identify as trans or nonbinary? (Source: AAMC) Together, we can make a difference– LGBTQIA+ #MentalHealth affects us all. This #Pride Month, remember to prioritize self-care and celebrate your pride and allyship. The mentioned resources offer a valuable starting point; it's never too late to prioritize your mental well-being and support that of others!

Our latest blog post is live, and it addresses a topic close to our hearts: "Promoting Mental Wellness in the LGBTQ+ Community." 🏳️🌈✍️ A Glimpse Into the Narrative: "Members of the LGBTQ+ community navigate a unique landscape of mental health challenges. From the hurdles of discrimination to the emotional journey of coming out, these experiences can significantly impact well-being. With LGBTQ+ individuals almost 3 times more likely to face a mental health condition, the conversation on supportive care is not just necessary; it’s vital." This blog explores: The diverse mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Supportive strategies for living authentically and with emotional wellness. How acceptance and understanding from society can make a profound difference. Join us in shedding light on these important issues and promoting a world where every individual has access to compassionate mental health care. 🔗 Read the full story and explore more resources at PeaceandHarmonyLLC.com. 💬 We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic in the comments. Your voice contributes to a more inclusive and understanding community. #LGBTQWellness #MentalHealthMatters #NewBlogPost #WellnessJourney #Breakthestigma #LGBTQSupport #InclusiveCare #MentalHealthAwareness #PeaceAndHarmonyLLC LGBTQ Mental Health Mental Wellness Blog Discrimination Impact Coming Out Support LGBTQ Community Care Inclusive Mental Health Peace and Harmony LLC Advocacy and Wellness