Trump Instills Fear in the LGBTQ+ Community, But We Can Combat It
President Trump has been quoted as saying, “there are only two genders,” and his actions are echoing those words, creating intense fear among the LGBTQ+ community. His opposition to diversity and inclusion has millions of Americans legitimately afraid.
It seems as if a relentless and unprecedented attack targeted on the LGBTQ+ community is gaining dangerously rapid momentum with no signs of slowing. The Trump administration’s 300-plus anti-LGBTQ+ actions, statements and policies (as reported by GLAAD) are alienating these individuals, forcing many into isolation and pushing countless more over the ledge emotionally.
Mental health therapists at The Center for Relationship Health in Royal Oak now are seeing almost double the number of LGBTQ+ clients who are breaking down emotionally, desperate for help and hope. They fear public backlash and hate with nowhere to turn because they justifiably feel the government is not protecting them.
I am seeing clients who are afraid to leave their home, who are experiencing hypervigilance and flashbacks from past traumas. They are suffering from anxiety and depression. Many won’t go to work and stay inside their homes, isolated from the public’s judging eyes.
To help maintain our own mental health during these precarious times, I have found neuroplasticity extremely helpful.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize or rewire its connections and create new networks in our brain that can respond positively to what is happening in the world that negatively influences our thoughts. Through neuroplasticity, we can learn to adapt in a positive way to negative messages. Our brains have the flexibility to update, reprogram, change and adapt.
To break off the negative thoughts and feelings from your brain, try the following:
- Reduce your exposure to the news, which only perpetuates your fear.
- Carve out quiet time for you to reconnect with all that is good in your life.
- Prioritize face-to-face interactions with people who support you, accept you and love you.
- Seek professional help from a therapist trained to work with LGBTQ+ individuals.
At The Center for Relationship Health, approximately 70 percent of our therapists are part of the LGBTQ+ community. We not only have specialized training in working with this community, but we also understand you and the experiences you are struggling to manage on your own because we, too, are going through similar issues. The center is a safe place for you to seek help, advice and resources that can improve your mental health and your life. You are surrounded by people you can trust.
At the center we provide the following gender-affirming resources: access to HRT referrals, referral letters for medical procedures and trauma-informed therapy by therapists specially trained in this modality.
Take care of you! No one should live in fear. Practice neuroplasticity. It is a natural gift that will help you heal, grow and adapt to unwanted challenges like the ones we face today.
This content is made possible through our partnership with The Center for Relationship Health.
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