June 2023

Written By Gretchen Murchison

🐰🐰     Love is love is love   

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – E.E. Cummings

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” – Brené Brown

The only constant is change...

PRIDE

Pride Month is an important time dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and promoting acceptance, visibility, and equality. Beyond its cultural and social significance, Pride also plays a crucial role in fostering mental health and well-being among individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. By providing a platform for self-expression, community support, and solidarity, the celebration of Pride can contribute significantly to promoting positive mental health outcomes.

By celebrating our identity, we can develop a sense of self-acceptance, which is vital for maintaining positive mental health. Acknowledging and embracing our true identity can alleviate internal conflicts, reduce self-stigma, and contribute to improved self-esteem, leading to enhanced overall well-being. Pride Month serves as a powerful environment for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community to embrace their authentic selves.

Pride promotes a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can connect with like-minded individuals who share similar experiences and struggles. This sense of community helps combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, promoting a sense of belonging and providing much-needed emotional support. Having a supportive network can significantly improve mental health outcomes, reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Pride events bring communities together to combat stigma and discrimination. Pride Month helps challenge societal stigmas and prejudices surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. By celebrating diversity and raising awareness, Pride promotes understanding, empathy, and acceptance among the general population. This broader acceptance reduces the negative impact of societal discrimination on the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals. Feeling accepted and valued in society decreases the risk of experiencing internalized homophobia, transphobia, or other forms of oppression, leading to improved mental well-being.

Pride promotes visibility and advocacy, and a platform for individuals to be heard and seen by society. Increased visibility not only empowers LGBTQ+ individuals but also encourages others who may be struggling with their identity or mental health to seek support and acceptance. The celebration of Pride Month helps raise awareness about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and encourages ongoing advocacy for equal rights, creating a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone. By acknowledging the progress made in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, equality, and representation, individuals can draw strength and inspiration from the resilience and determination of those who fought for their rights.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let’s promote its profound importance in supporting the mental well-being of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community and strive for a future where acceptance and equality are celebrated year-round.

Sunrise LCSW is committed to providing a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. I understand that navigating the complexities of sexual orientation and gender identity can be challenging, and I am here to offer compassionate support and guidance. I embrace and celebrate the diversity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. I believe that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in their journey towards mental health and well-being.

Sunrise LCSW is dedicated to ongoing education and learning, staying abreast of best practices in LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy. My commitment extends beyond the therapy room, as I actively challenge discrimination, advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Unique & special June holidays:  

Some of my favorites:

National month for: PRIDE

June 2 National Doughnut Day

June 10 Herbs and Spices Day

June 15 National Nature Photography Day

June 18 International Panic Day

I'm grateful to know you and I thank you for letting me be a part of your journey.  Please let me know if there is anything more I can be doing to support you.

“Being an ally can’t just be about nodding when someone says something we agree with – important as that is. It must also be about action. It’s our job to stand up for those who are not at the table when life-altering decisions are made.” – Kamala Harris

Some housekeeping items:

  • Scheduling: 

        • I will be taking a few days off in the middle of the month (June 16-19), and a few days in July (July 4 and July 15-18).  If our regular session time will be impacted, let's talk about choosing a different day.

        • This season gets busy with early Summer activities on your social calendar, end-of-year projects and exams, and much-needed vacations.    Family, friends, and fun are priorities in our lives, and am happy to reschedule our session times when you have something enjoyable to do (or otherwise important, like studying or a project).  Please remember to cancel or reschedule your appointments with as much advance notice as possible so that we can reschedule and I can offer the session time to someone else. No shows and late cancelations (fewer than 4 hours notice) are subject to a no show charge.

  • Crisis Numbers:   

I recommend adding these to your contacts in your phone. If you don't need them, you might be able to share them with someone who does.

Credits:

  • (http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/june.htm)

Gretchen Murchison
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