How to Care for Your Mental Health During Pride Month
- taylor6005
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
If this is your first Pride, congratulations. Taking up space, in whatever way feels right for you, is brave. And, if this is your 30th Pride, congratulations. You have courageously seen this month shift, grow and change. Maybe some years have felt more joyful, maybe some years more tender. Or, even have had years that are exhausting or overwhelming. However it finds you this year, your experience is just as valid, and matter just as much as your first Pride.
Whoever you are reading this, we see you. As you step into this month, we hope to offer a few ways to care for yourself along the way.
Find Supportive Communities: Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, family members, or folks apart of the LGBTQIA+ community offers connection, understanding, and comfort, especially on the harder days. Whether it is a group chat, a local event, or an online community, avoid isolation. Human Rights Campaign is a great resource to find local or global events.
Seek LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy: Finding a mental health professional(s) that are knowledgeable and affirming to the LGBTQIA+ community can offer another safe space to explore your feelings, identity, and coping skills. You can learn more on how to find an LGBTQIA affirming therapist here
Practice Self-Care: As mentioned before, whether this is your first pride, or 30th, you are worthy to allow opportunity for self-care and rest. Self-care doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. It might look like a full on spa day, or it might simply mean going to bed early, taking a walk around your neighborhood, or giving yourself permission to say no to one more event. You get to choose what self-care looks like for you. We offer a free downloadable self-care wheel, which can be found here
Set Boundaries: Learning to set boundaries and share your needs with others is an important way to care for yourself. Pay attention to when you need space or time alone, and don’t be afraid to speak up.
Taking Time To Learn: Learning more about LGBTQIA+ history, identities, and experiences can help you learn the bigger picture of your own journey, and offer support for advocating for yourself or others. National LGBTQ Task Force offers some historical context of where Pride originated, found here
Stay Informed About LGBTQIA+ Resources: Know what resources, support groups, and helplines are out there for you. Finding both national and local organizations to follow can help you stay informed on the current political climate and provide any resources you may need. If you live in Texas, check our local resource list.
Engage in Positive Activism: If you feel comfortable, and ready to get involved, finding local or national organizations to get involved with may bring community, support, and even empowerment for yourself. Finding ways to advocate that feel feasible to you, whether that's attending protests, or writing letters to politicians, can make social change. GLAAD offers a list of resources to explore
Know When to Seek Help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support. Whether that means finding a therapist, psychiatrist, another mental health provider, or calling a crisis line, there are people ready to help you. The Couch Therapy offers free 15-minute consultations and would love to help support you or find resources you need.
No matter where you are on your Pride journey, remember that your feelings and needs matter. We see you.
Love,
The Couch Therapy Team
If you or someone you know is in crisis, use these resources below:
Crisis Text Line – Free 24/7 mental health support via text.
Text START to 741-741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
LGBTQ+ National Youth Talkline – Free, confidential support for individuals 23 and under. Call 800-246-7743
Trans Lifeline – Peer support, crisis line, and resources for trans individuals. Call 877-565-8860 or www.translifeline.org
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