Pride Month may come once a year, but the mental health challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community don't take a break in July.

In this episode of Mental Health Mondays, host Andrew Knoll sits down with Rachel from Westbrook Health Services to talk about the real mental health struggles facing LGBTQ+ individuals — from depression and anxiety to gender dysphoria, suicidal ideation, and the psychological toll of hiding who you are.

Whether you're questioning your identity, supporting a loved one who just came out, or a parent trying to say the right thing — this conversation is for you.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

• Why LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts than their cisgender and heterosexual peers

• What gender dysphoria disorder is — and what it feels like to not be able to make your outside match how you feel inside

• The psychological toll of hiding who you are: cognitive dissonance and what it does to your mental health

• Where to find help if you're struggling and not ready to come out — including the Trevor Project and LGBTQ+ crisis lines

• Warning signs to watch for in a friend or loved one who may be struggling

• How parents can create a safe environment for their child — before a coming-out conversation ever happens

• Why parents are often the hardest people to come out to — and what kids are really afraid of

• What to do when a loved one comes out and you don't understand it — and why you don't have to understand it to love them

• Why the person coming out should give grace to parents who may need time to grieve

• Simple ways to signal that you're a safe, welcoming person — from pride flags to social media frames

• Why finding even one or two people who "get it" can change everything for someone who is struggling