When the Holidays Hurt: Navigating Loss & Family Disowning as an LGBTQ+ Person
The holidays are painted as a season of warmth, family, and togetherness, but for many LGBTQ+ individuals, this time of year can bring up grief, loneliness, or the painful reminder of family rejection. Whether you’re mourning the loss of someone you loved, the end of a relationship, or the ache of being disowned for who you are, the holidays can intensify wounds that never fully healed.
This blog explores compassionate, affirming ways to care for yourself during a season that isn’t always kind, like building chosen-family traditions, setting boundaries that protect your peace, rewriting the stories you were given, and staying connected to people who truly see and love you.
If the holidays feel heavy this year, please know you’re not alone, and there is room for comfort, meaning, and healing right here in the holler.
Building a Supportive Community for Mental Well-being
In my final post for Mental Health Awareness Month, I highlight the importance of connection and belonging. A strong support system can make all the difference for those navigating mental health challenges. This week’s blog explores how supportive communities enhance resilience, reduce isolation, and foster healing.
Understanding Depression: Identifying the Signs and Finding Support
Depression is more than just a temporary feeling of sadness—it’s a serious mental health condition that can impact every area of life, from relationships to work to physical well-being. Recognizing the signs of depression in yourself and those around you is the first step toward healing. Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in daily activities. Unlike situational sadness, which fades over time, depression often requires professional treatment. Identifying its signs early is crucial to getting the right support and finding your way to recovery.