An LGBTQ+ Person's Guide to Enhancing Mental Health

Written by guest contributor, Julia Mitchell, Incredibly passionate about the activities that fill her days, she wants to share her adoration for her favorite lifestyle topics with the world and encourage others to turn their INspiration into OUTspiration.

LGBTQ+ individuals face unique issues that can harm their mental health, including discrimination, rejection, and isolation. If you struggle to feel happy and confident in your own skin, rest assured that you aren't alone. However, there are many resources available to help LGBTQ+ people feel their best and thrive. Read on for some actionable pointers that can help you seize control of your emotional well-being.

Create a comfy space to unwind

 If you're facing uncomfortable situations like discrimination in the outside world, it's even more important that you have a safe space to come home to. Make sure your house or apartment is the sanctuary you deserve. If you aren't happy at home, scout out alternatives online. Once you've got your dream home, create a positive space by keeping it clean and clutter-free. This checklist for clearing out bad energy can help you get started.

 Try working from home more often

Once you've got your dream home, make a point of spending more time there. It's been suggested that working from home can actually improve your mental health. For example, it eliminates the need for commuting, which wastes time and creates stress. To make the most of it, ensure that you've got a comfortable home office. Invest in an ergonomic chair and keyboard and a large monitor.

Start a garden

 Don't ignore the outside of your house. Spruce up the yard by picking up gardening as a hobby. As another pro, gardening is also shown to have mental health benefits. If you aren't blessed with a green thumb, don't stress. There are resources online that can help you learn more about what to plant and how to nurture it. Gardening is also an opportunity to spend time outside soaking up some valuable vitamin D.

Pick up a new hobby

 Gardening is just one of the many hobbies you can pick up to lead a more fulfilling life and improve your mental health. Having purposeful activities that you do in your spare time is shown to help people feel happier and less stressed. A hobby you love can even reduce the risk of issues like depression. Try to find something that you do purely for enjoyment, not because it contributes to some kind of life goal or career advancement. Just have fun!

Find a supportive community

A new hobby can also be a great way to connect with other people and expand your LGBTQ+ community. Look for group activities nearby if you want to expand your in-person support network. If this isn't feasible, you can also find supportive communities online. The Trevor project is a great example, providing a safe space where you can interact with others and find like-minded friends virtually. It also offers resources to guide well-being.

 Get a furry friend

 Sometimes, your most supportive friends will have four legs instead of two. According to News In Health, research has shown that pet ownership can contribute to mental well-being in various ways. Before you get an animal, make sure you have the resources to take care of it. For example, if you want a dog, it's good to have a yard where they can go outside. Nearby dog parks can be an alternative if you don't have your own garden.

Seek professional help if needed

Sometimes, you need an outside boost to get your mental health in order. Don't be shy about getting help if you're still struggling to enjoy day-to-day life. Organizations like Velvet Collective offer psychotherapy services specifically geared toward LGBTQ+ people. A mental health professional can give you coping strategies and mental health tools and also connect you with support groups.

 Being happy doesn't happen automatically. You have to put in the work to feel your best some days. By taking steps like creating a comfy home and working from home more, you can help improve your emotional well-being.

Get more resources to help LGBTQ+ thrive via the blog.