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[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

Notes from the Symposium

I’m so sorry I haven’t been posting much in the past little while! I got caught up in my symposium presentation for the 20% Project and all sorts of school work.

So, for those that don’t really know what “the symposium” is, it’s a part of my 20% project where I create a display board that must include: my project title, my goals, my inspiration for the project, evidence of progress, and the community benefit. Below I have a picture of the board and such from the symposium.

During the symposium, I also had a little box where people could share their advice or experience(s) with mental illness(es) and/or the LGBT+ community. I was honestly surprised at the amount of contributions I received, and I decided I could make a post of all the advice and experiences! For some, I’ll just post the advice people had, and for others I might add a little bit of commentary in reply.

Mental Health

“I don’t really know if I always had anxiety, but I do know that it definitely grew when I reached high school.. I was in an abusive and toxic friendship and realized I have some past traumas from sexual abuse as a kid. It makes me wonder if I was ever ‘normal’ or like other people who don’t have these mental health issues. I also realized I might have a BFRB (Body Focused Repetitive Behavior). I’ve picked at my skin my whole life. What if that has to do with trauma too? The anxiety and skin picking really affect my life and how I act. I can’t even imagine not having these things. But I’m trying my best to be open about them and talk about them instead of bottle them all up. I think I have a good support system but they don’t really know much about me or my past so I can’t be sure.”

To start, I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through abuse. I know sorry doesn’t mean a whole lot, but I don’t know what to say when I haven’t experienced what you have. I looked up BFRBs (https://www.bfrb.org/learn-about-bfrbs), and what you described definitely seems to fit that. I think it’s really awesome that you’re opening up to people, even though I’m sure it can be hard to trust everyone. I hope things will work out well and that you really will have a good support system.

“Stay calm and stay strong. It’s okay to cry or be nervous. Don’t doubt yourself and keep moving forward.”

While this is a bit cliche, I do think it’s important. Sometimes hearing “stay calm” or “keep moving forward” can be quite frustrating, but it’s important to remember that it’s okay to not be okay all the time.

“I used to have an eating disorder 8th - 10th grade, I had and still have very low self-esteem, and always thought/cared of what others thought about me. I wouldn’t be able to focus on school because I had no energy. The times I did eat, I always threw up, and started working out, I would even pass out sometimes. Having a piece of gum was ‘too much.’”

First, I’m glad you were able to get past the eating disorder; I know that can be very hard to do. I also know that low self-esteem can be hard to work past, so try little steps in building self-confidence.

“In my 9 years of diagnosed Major Depression, I’ve learned that people are not always out to get you or make you feel horrible. A lot of people are ready to help and listen, there are many resources available for help as well. I also learned through friends and life that getting rid of things like fake friends or ignoring rude people helps so much as well. Always take time for yourself, never feel that self care is selfish or a burden.”

I like this because I know it can be hard to not be pessimistic about the world and people around you, but surrounding yourself with the right people can create a great support group

“I’ve noticed overcoming anxiety does not mean to run away from what scares you but to breathe and DO YOUR BEST! It gets easier with every challenge (: “

This is definitely an important piece of advice here. Running from problems makes them worse in the long-run, so just do your best to push forward - even if it’s just baby steps. Any amount of improvement is good improvement.

“I struggled with anxiety for the majority of my life, and I didn’t know how to get rid of it. I was insecure about my looks and my weight. And people did not help me overcome them. Little did I know I was hanging around the wrong people. My friends now have helped me to overcome not only my anxiety, but helped me become a better person, and I try to help people who suffered and stressed like I did.”

I’m glad that you figured out that you had bad friends and found good ones, and I’m happy that they’ve been able to help you. It’s also really cool that you’re trying to help people you know are experiencing what you already have.

“Mental health is important to everyone and we all should try to be kind to each other and love each other to make the harshness of life a little easier.”

This is such a wholesome message. It’s important to remember that a lot of people are hiding struggles, so try to be nice to everyone.

“Such a cliche, but ALWAYS check up on your friends! Whether you send a text or call them, even if you’re not on talking terms, do it.”

I agree that you should check up on your friends, yes. However, if you aren’t on talking terms and you suddenly text someone, they might be needing alone time or just might not be ready to talk yet, and it might not go over well.

“Get used to cutting people off whenever they interfere with your mental health. People will come and go (bad people that is), so being able to leave them as soon as a red flag pops up is important. Your mental health is always the first thing to worry about.”

This is definitely important. Being able to recognize and leave bad people is so important in helping yourself and taking care of your mental health.

“I feel like sometimes I live in a mind filled with three different people and I don’t know how to deal with it.”

So, I did a bit of research on this but remember, I’M NOT A DOCTOR. Based on a few sites, this sounds like it could possibly be DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). Here’s the definition I found on one site: “Dissociative identity disorder. Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, this disorder is characterized by alternating between multiple identities. A person may feel like one or more voices are trying to take control in their head. Often these identities may have unique names, characteristics, mannerisms and voices.” And this is the site that was on: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Dissociative-Disorders

LGBT+

“I personally identify as asexual panromantic and just questioning gender. I used to identify as pansexual but obviously changed that. When I identified as pan a few of my friends would make fun of it saying the whole ‘there are only 2 genders’ or ‘I identify as an attack helicopter.’ And that really affected how I felt about myself and definitely created a fear in me when I realized I wasn’t cisgender. I was afraid my friends would have more to make fun of me about. And when I realized I was ace I found so much hate online that I was afraid to say I was in fear of being called ‘special’ or a ‘snowflake.’ I’m not sure I’ve overcome that fear yet but I’m slowly coming out to my friends and explaining my fears to them so hopefully they’ll understand. But then again their opinions on what I am/identify as don’t matter.”

As you probably know, I identify the same way as you do. I never really got backlash, and I’m sorry you had bad experiences with that; people can be so rude and ignorant sometimes. I’m proud that you’re trying to open up to friends, and that you’ve realized people’s opinions don’t matter.

“As a LGBT youth it’s kind of hard coming into your own, but remember this: it’s your life don’t let someone make you live a life that you know doesn’t make you happy. Everyone deserves love and happiness.”

I like this a lot. It can be hard to ignore people’s opinions, especially if you’re around them a lot, but it’s good to remember that no one else should control how you live.

“It’s hard having to come back out as questioning when everybody knows I’m gay. It’s hard to be comfortable with my sexuality.”

I’ve never had to re-come out before, but I really did have a long period of questioning before I really figured things out. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to have things figured out all the time and it’s okay to not have a label, especially if any label is making you uncomfortable.

“I haven’t figured out everything yet, but I learned to take time and learn yourself. Don’t try and rush or put on a label too early. It’s okay to not know.”

This is really important. When I was younger, I really tried to push labels on myself. Eventually, I realized that if I gave myself time, I’d be able to understand myself better. I didn’t know for a while, and that was okay. yeah

“Questioning yourself is how you find the answers to a lot of your unasked or unanswered questions. I asked myself the big-ol’ question of why. Why do I feel differently towards girls? Why are people weird to gay people? Am I gay? Little did I know the answer was yes. And little did I know that it was okay.”

So, I talked about my experience in the previous answer. I can honestly say though that I used to ask myself those same questions a lot. I was confused for a while, especially with my religious upbringing. It took me a while to be okay with my sexuality and identity.

“Don’t ever blame yourself nor your sexuality on why things happen. Things were going to go a certain way with every decision.”

I’m not sure I understand the 2nd part, but it’s definitely important to remember that your sexuality isn’t a choice or consequence of some decision you make. Sometimes it is based on past experiences, but a lot of the time you really are born this way.

“Don’t hide who you really are but love it and show who you are. You’re you and no one can change that. :) “

I love this, it’s so wholesome. Sometimes it can be hard, but always try to remember that it’s okay to be you, no matter what others say.

“Involving yourself with people who support you would be the #1 priority. Living life hidden away isn’t worth it to be losing those years to people who don’t approve. Detaching from family is necessary is abusive mentally and physically.”

This is an important lesson that I took a while to learn. I had a hard time defying/detaching from family, but it really is important if they’re abusive and/or unsupportive.

“I’m not part of the LGBT+ community but I still support it 100%”

“I’m no LGBT but I still believe everyone should be treated equally :) “

These are both so cute. I’m glad to see some allies here.

Both/Miscellaneous

“I’ve struggled a lot with depression and anxiety all my life but always tried to hide it because I felt embarrassed about having issues. I also struggle with my sexuality because I’ve always dated guys but I find girls attractive too. I don’t want to admit that I might be bisexual.”

I don’t think mental illness is something you should be embarrassed, but I understand with all the stigma there is in the world why you would be. I know it’s hard, but try to remember that stigmas are BS, and that you’re an amazing human. As for sexuality, I know how hard it can be to accept. For a bit, when I was first realizing I liked girls, I had such a hard time. I basically called myself “questioning” for long enough that I grew more comfortable with my attraction. If you’re not ready for a label or uncomfortable with one, just say you’re “questioning.”

“Try to stay positive and just know you’re beautiful inside and out.”

Another beautiful wholesome message here. I think this applies to both because it can be hard to see yourself as beautiful when there’s a lot of stigma and hate towards mental illnesses and the LGBT+ community in the world.

“Having a good support system, being able to talk to people about anything that was bothering me. I talked about...”

I’m not sure where this was headed, but it’s definitely good to find yourself a good supports system.

And that’s all of them! I’m so sorry, again, for taking so long. I meant to post this right after the symposium, but it took quite a while to respond to everyone’s notes. As always, contributions, asks, and messages are open, and I will respond!

[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

Survey about the LGBT+ Community

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv9UViVvqiDo073R3ztWCBrdjxz07DnGFGBBUaMIS-swx1JQ/viewform

This is a survey about the LGBT+ community and what your sexuality and such are! If you are interested in taking it, please do!

Sorry for the absence, I’ve been working on a few things for a presentation for my 20% project! As always, my asks, messages, and submissions are open!

[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

Different Romantic Orientations

This is kinda a master post for different romantic orientations to maybe help people understand what may fit them, if they’re looking for that sort of labelling to help them understand themselves better.

You may also notice that some of these are very similar in definition to sexualities, but that they’re of course romantic instead of sexual. Any of the orientations can go with any sexuality really. Sometiems they may align (i.e. aromantic and asexual) and sometimes they may not (i.e. panromatic and graysexual).

Aromantic - no romantic attraction to anyone, regardless of gender identity or situation

Biromantic - romantic attraction to 2 genders (this can mean men and women, men and nonbinary, women and nonbinary, etc; it is not just attraction to the 2 binary genders)

Heteroromantic - romantic attraction to someone of the opposite gender identity and/or sex

Homoromantic - romantic attraction to someone of the same gender identity and/or sex

Grayromantic - no romantic attraction with the exception of certain situations/circumstances

Panromantic - romantic attraction to all gender identities and/or sexes; some see it as attraction to person without regard for gender, some see it as attraction to person including gender

Polyromantic - romantic attraction to multiple gender identities and/or sexes; it’s not all gender identities and/or sexes and it’s more than 2

Sources:

https://sexuality.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Romantic_orientation

This post isn’t very long, I know, but I felt it was a good thing to add to my blog. Not everyone’s romantic orientation and sexuality are the same, so it’s good (in my opinion) to have both.

As usual, my asks, messages, and submissions are open for everyone!

[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

Post about mental illnesses in society

One thing I have - and I’m sure everyone has - noticed it that mental illnesses fall into 2 “categories” with people who don’t have them: relatable/romanticized and crazy/scary.

The mental illnesses I mostly see romanticized and downplayed are anxiety, depression, OCD, and eating disorders. I often see these disorders used as adjectives - such as “she looks so anorexic” or “you’re so OCD” - in response to very basic human things that quite a lot of people do, feel, and look like.

To those that see these things as “relatable”:

Being nervous is different than having anxiety. Being sad over something is different than being depressed. Being skinny is different than being anorexic. Being heavier is different than being bulimic or having an over-eating disorder. Wanting things to be neat and organized is different than having OCD.

Sometimes, mental illnesses like these make you more prone to any of those experiences. But having those experiences doesn’t suddenly mean you have a mental illness.

The other category people tend to place mental illnesses in is scary/crazy. Some of the main disorders I see placed in this category are schizophrenia, BPD, and paraphilias.

As much as I hate to admit it, I used to be wary of these mental illnesses. But, the more I’ve learned about them, the less I stigmatize them; the more I understand that the mental illness isn’t all that makes up the person.

I think that this really would be the case for most people. Part of what I want to do with this blog is to educate people about different mental illnesses. If people knew the reality, then they most likely wouldn’t fear or romanticize them anymore.

[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

Different Identities and Sexualities

This is kind of a master post for different sexualities and identities to maybe help people understand what may fit them,if they’re looking for that sort of labeling to help them understand themselves better.

Sexualities

Androsexual - an attraction to masculine people; traditionally an attraction to men, but considered to be anyone who is more masculine despite their gender; this is also used by nonbinary people who are attracted to masculinity/men but don’t want to use homosexual or heterosexual, as those could possbily ”invalidate” their gender identity

Asexual - a lack of sexual attraction to anyone, which is usually accompanied by a lack of want/interest in sexual activity; however, some asexual people still like sexual activity despite not being attracted to anyone in a sexual manner

Bisexual - a sexual attraction to 2 genders (this can mean men and women, men and nonbinary, women and nonbinary, etc; it is not just attraction to the 2 binary genders)

Demisexual - a lack of sexual attraction to a person until a deep emotional connection is built; many consider this to be a subsection of asexuality because it starts with a lack of sexual attraction

Gynosexual - an attraction to feminine people; traditionally an attraction to women, but considered to be anyone who is more feminine despite their gender; this is also used by nonbinary people who are attracted to femininity/women but don’t want to use homosexual or heterosexual, as those could possbily violate their gender identity

Heterosexual - a sexual attraction to a person of the opposite sex and/or gender; what pretty much everyone calls “straight”

Homosexual - a sexual attraction to a person of the same sex and/or gender; what pretty much everyoen calls “gay” or “lesbian”

Pansexual - a sexual attraction to all genders; some see it as attraction to person without regard for gender, some see it as attraction to person including gender

Polysexual - a sexual attraction to multiple genders/sexes; it’s not all genders/sexes and it’s more than 2

Gender Identities

Agender - in direct definition, a lack of gender; can be considered a nonbinary gender or as a lack of a gender identity; it’s a bit of a paradox; most agender people tend to present in a neutral, or androgynous, way

Androgyne - a gender which is simultaneously feminine and masculine, although not necessarily in equal amounts; generally associated with androgyny/androgynous presentation

Demigender - a gender identity that’s partially fluid and partially static; for example one part of their gender is female while the part that fluctuates is male or other non-binary gender

Demiboy - a gender identity describing someone who partially, but not wholly, identifies as a male or otherwise masculine, no matter their sex; they might identify as another gender in addition to feeling partially male or masculine

Demigirl - a gender identity describing someone who partially, but not wholly, identifies as a female or otherwise feminine, no matter their sex; they might identify as another gender in addition to feeling partially female or feminine

Genderfluid - a gender identity which refers to a gender which varies over time or in response to different circumstances; may at any time identify as male, female, or any non-binary identity, or some combination of identities

Genderqueer - an umbrella term used to describe any gender identities other than male and female, thus outside of the gender binary

Multigender - a term for anyone who experiences more than one gender identity; it can be used as a gender identity in its own right, or can be an umbrella term for other identities which fit this description

Nonbinary - describes any gender identity which does not fit the male and female binary

Transgender - an umbrella term for anyone whose gender identity doesn’t match their assigned sex; often accompanied by discomfort or distress (gender dysphoria); generally FTM (female to male) or MTF (male to female), but can be assigned sex to any other gender identity

This is of course not everything, but there’s more in the sources below!

Sources

https://sexuality.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Sexual_orientation?from=A

http://gender.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Gender_Identities

Sorry for being off all week as well; I’m on spring break and I’ve had some sketchy connections all this week. I’m finally home now though, so I have the WiFi to post.

As always, my asks, messages, and contributions are always open!

P.S. I’m also working on a romantic orientations post to put up next week! I just didn’t want to put too much all into 1 post!

[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

Important Hotlines

Suicide Prevention Lifeline -- 1-800-273-TALK

Suicide Hotline -- 800-784-2433

Crisis Center -- 800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863

Youthspace Text Line -- Text 778-783-0177 from 6 p.m. to midnight daily.

Crisis Text Line -- Text HOME to 741741

IMAlive -- online crisis chat

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) -- 240-485-1001

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) -- 1-800-826-3632

International OCD Foundation -- 617-973-5801

Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) -- 240-423-9432

TARA (Treatment and Research Advancements for Borderline Personality Disorder) -- 1-888-482-7227         

National Runaway Safeline -- 1-800-RUNAWAY (chat available on website)

Teenline -- 310-855-4673 or text TEEN to 839863 (teens helping teens)

Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network (RAINN) -- 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)

Sexual Abuse - Stop It Now! -- 1-888-PREVENT

Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Resource Center (CHADD) -- 1-800-233-4050

National Center for Learning Disabilities -- 1-888-575-7373

Child Abuse Hotline -- 800-4-A-CHILD (800 422 4453)

National Domestic Violence Hotline -- 800-799-7233

Missing & Exploited Children Hotline -- 1-800-843-5678

National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) HelpLine -- 1-800-931-2237 or text NEDA to 741741

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders(ANAD) -- 630-577-1330

Overeater’s Anonymous -- Click link to find a meeting near you    

Trevor HelpLine / Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ+ Teens -- 1-866-488-7386

TrevorText -- Text the word “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200

Gay & Lesbian National Hotline -- 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)

Trans Lifeline-- (United States) 1-877-565-8860 / (Canada) 1-877-330-6366

GLBT National Help Center -- (Toll-Free National Hotline) 1-888-843-4564 /  (Youth Talkline) 1-800-246-7743

Fenway Health -- (LGBT Helpline 25+) 1-617-267-9001; (Toll-free) 1-888-340-4528 / (Peer Listening Line 25 and under) 1-617-267-2535; (Toll-free) 1-800-399-PEER

Sources:

https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/resources/mental-health-hotline-numbers-and-referral-resources

https://teenhealthandwellness.com/static/hotlines

https://www.nami.org/find-support/nami-helpline/top-25-helpline-resources

https://ostem.org/page/crisis-hotlines

[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

Questioning who you are and who you like is okay

For years, my gender identity has really seemed all over the place. I’ve gone from thinking I was agender to nonbinary to genderfluid and back again.

At this point, I’m really just in a state of questioning about it. And that’s okay. It’s okay to not know for sure whether you’re cis or not, or who you like for that matter. In my opinion, you don’t have to have a label or be 100% sure to be a part of the LGBT+ community.

For the longest time, I wasn’t really sure who I liked or who I was. And sometimes, I’m still not 100% sure (especially not on my gender identity). Even though I’ve just labeled myself as panromantic asexual, sometimes I’ve still wondered and questioned. I’ve also struggled a bit with not having a label for my gender identity, and I don’t think I’m cis, so I’ve labeled myself as nonbinary.

The topic of labels is something else too. You don’t have to have some hyper-specific label to be a part of the LGBT+ community; you really don’t. Some people have very specific labels because they feel like they need them, or they’re really sure. However, it’s okay to not want a label like that and just be who you are. Whichever you fall with, or if you fall with between, it’s okay and the people that matter will accept you.

I hope this post can help someone or several someones! Please remember that anyone can send in messages, asks, or submissions!

[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

Coming out tip that I’ve heard / found useful

One of the things I’ve heard a few times, and found very useful, it to “test” whoever it may be you want to come out to. It’s weird to explain, but basically I just mean trying to discuss LGBT+ related topics with whoever it may be - without outing yourself in the process. Unless, maybe, they really do seem accepting and you’re comfortable coming out at that moment.

I’ve used this tactic a few times before with friends, and it really has worked for me. I figured out that some of my friends are more accepting, and I’ve come out to them. I figured out that some aren’t so accepting, and I’ve decided to wait until I think the time is right to tell them.

I’ve never used this tactic with my family, with the exception of my little sister. Even the, she kinda brought it up first. Anyways, I’d heard my parents (both step and bio) pretty loudly express their homophobia and transphobia through sarcasm and just straight up terrible comments. I’m still not sure when I can truly come out to them.

All in all, just do you and come out when you’re ready to. It doesn’t have to be on anyone else’s schedule; it just has to be on yours

As always, I’ll be accepting asks, submissions, and messages!

[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

Coping with my anxiety

The main things that help me cope with my anxiety are music and art.

Music helps keep my mind in one place at a time and away from all the anxious thoughts; it quiets my mind. I have a lot of not great impulsive thoughts and a lot of doubts about a lot of things, and music helps me push those things to the back of my mind (at least for the time being). I also get very anxious around crowds and loud noises, two things that often come as a package. Listening to my music can help me calm down and not focus on the crowds; this is the reason I will almost always be listening to my music at my (over) crowded school.

To make it short, sweet, and to the point, music calms and quiets my brain down.

Digital art is something I started doing a little over a year ago. Most of what I draw is (BTS) fanart, something that stemmed from my love of their music. Art helps me really focus on something other than my thoughts and impulses. it’s also given me a way to vent my feelings without really having to say a word.

Below are a few examples of things I’ve drawn!

I know things like this don’t work for everyone, but I hope they’ll work for someone who sees this.

Remember, anyone can send in asks or submissions!

[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

How I figured out my sexuality and romantic leaning

One of the first things that really helped me notice I was asexual was the way I looked at celebrities. I’ve seen people talk about this, but I generally just didn’t find them “hot” like my friends did. Sure, I found them attractive or pretty, but not “hot.”

It wasn’t just celebrities either, I just one day realized that I’d never really felt sexually attracted to anyone (though I do still have a libido).

Really, all I did was look back on my past and present like it wasn’t my own, if that makes much sense. I tried to pretend I was analyzing someone else, because I’ve always had a hard time analyzing myself. When I looked at things this way, I was really able to see that I was asexual.

As for my romantic leaning, it took a lot longer for me to figure out. I went from thinking I was aromantic to realizing I’m panromantic.

A lot of the crushes I had when I was younger were on boys (because of herteronormavity), and I realized a few years ago that they really all seemed too forced. After this realization, I thought I was aromantic because I’d never really had a real crush.

Not too long later, I ended up with a girlfriend, and then with a really serious crush that never went anywhere a bit after the relationship was over. By that point, I’d obviously realized I wasn’t aromantic - but I was still confused.

It took a lot of reflecting to really figure it out, but I did realize eventually that I’m panromantic. I do tend to have a leaning towards girls, but I think that’s because I haven’t really met many nice guys or many (if any) nonbinary people my age.

I hope these experiences will be able to help others figure some things out too! Please send in asks if you have any questions or want help, and please send in submissions if you want to share your own story!

[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

I saw this and I feel like it’s really important! This seems like a really amazing project

The Purple Hydrangea Project

Hi friends! 

My name is Madeleine and I am launching a nonprofit organization called The Purple Hydrangea Project. 

The purple hydrangea flower represents a desire to gain a deeper understanding of someone. Thus, our primary initiative is to promote mental health awareness and education for children and teens, hopefully at a nation-wide or international level as it develops over time.  

We hope to accomplish this by:

launching a website that provides information and resources about a variety of psychiatric disorders, such as how to recognize symptoms and how to support loved ones; we also plan for the website to be a platform where people can share their stories and come together as a cohesive, supportive community. 

presenting at elementary, middle, and high schools about important topics such as suicide prevention, providing information on where and how to reach out for help

allowing youth from all over to submit art in any shape or form (painting/drawing, poetry, short story, spoken word, music, etc.) relating to their struggle with mental illness, showcasing the submissions on our website and giving participants a chance to win cash scholarships

and hopefully many other projects!

WE ARE CURRENTLY IN NEED OF OFFICERS TO FILL OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS!!

The most important role that needs to be filled as of right now is Chief Financial Officer. If anyone might be interested in taking on that position, preferably someone in California, please message me!

Other officer positions include a Creative Director, Marketing Director, and multiple Project Directors. Please message me if you would be interested in any of these positions, or if you have any ideas about potential projects. 

If you aren’t interested in being an officer but still want to give support to The Purple Hydrangea Project, PLEASE REBLOG TO SPREAD THE WORD! Field volunteer positions will be open soon, so stay tuned for that if you’re passionate about mental health advocacy!

Make sure to follow this blog for any and all updates! Have a good one :)

[mentalhealthandlgbt-blog]

Introduction

Hi, my name is Jae. I’m panromantic and asexual, and I’m not quite sure about my gender identity at this moment. I’ve never been officially diagnosed with any mental illness (because my parents wouldn’t take me to a doctor for that), but I’ve been overly anxious throughout most, if not all, of my life.

This blog was created for a 20% project for a class I’m in. However, that’s not my only motivation. I wanted to do something I was passionate about, something that I felt would be beneficial to a lot of people on here.

I want this blog to be a safe place for people with mental illness and/or are a part of the LGBT+ community, especially for those that don’t have a support system in their real lives.

I will be accepting asks from people who want advice for situations they’re in, help with coping mechanisms, or just for trying to understand different identities, sexualities, and mental illnesses. Of course that’s not all; those are just examples.

I’ll also be accepting contributions that include, but aren’t limited to: coping mechanisms, advice for different situations, art or quotes relating to different sexualities, identities, and/or mental illnesses, and supportive messages for people who may be struggling in their lives.