Celebrating Pride Month Improves Mental Health & Wellness
Pride is celebrated worldwide in the month of June and the celebrations are often full of love, laughter, color, and connectedness. Although the celebration is one month out of the year, we can embrace its sentiment all year long.
“Pride is about coming together with allies to embrace who we are and to be surrounded by others who are just like us,” said Mary Morda, MA, LPC, Program Coordinator, Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, Acenda. “This builds our self-esteem and our self-love, which will then create new friendships. It is something we need to do each day.”
Our mental health improves when we celebrate ourselves and others, embrace equality and inclusion, and build positive connections in our lives. Here are four ways Pride can make a difference in our mental well-being:
- If you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, being able to identify with others allows you to be yourself. Knowing there are others like you, will reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
- We gain knowledge of others' differences, and opens our minds and hearts, which creates more human connectedness.
- Allies can be of utmost support during this month of celebration by being activists for the LGBTQ+ community, which results in stronger, healthier relationships between friends.
- By volunteering your time to LGBTQ+ groups, fundraisers, and events, you can improve your mental wellbeing by serving others during this month and beyond.
“Pride is important in building a community with friends who have become family; especially if your own family has disowned you or does not provide love and support for who you truly are,” added Morda. “Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or just a supporter, taking care of your mental health should be your priority, and remember to surround yourself with people who truly accept you and love you with no conditions.”
It's important to know that mental health support is available for everyone, including LGBTQIA+ youth and adults. If you or your loved one need additional support, our clinicians are available to help via our telehealth services. Call our main number at 844-4-ACENDA (844-422-3632) for more information.
Sources:
HealthPartners.com
MentalHealth.org
NAMI.org