LGBTQIA Individuals Still Face Societal Pressures
Although our society is making rapid inroads towards accepting diverse sexual and romantic orientations, along with gender identifications, cultural biases still very much exist. If you or someone you love is being discriminated against, marginalized or attacked in any way due to LGBTQIA issues- especially from family members- it can be intimidating and stressful. Those identifying as LGBTQIA, which stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex and asexual”, oftentimes find themselves still faced with uncomfortable situations at school, home or at work. Bullying and victimization are still commonly directed towards members of the LGBTQIA community, and as a result individuals that endure such treatment and pressure sometimes resort to unhealthy behaviors like substance abuse, self-harm and even suicidal thoughts.
Societal discrimination also is an issue, and LGBTQIA individuals are faced with that injustice in situations involving housing, employment, education and basic human rights. LGBTQIA identifiers are also the subject of various types of harassment, including sexual assault, verbal and physical bullying, and social rejection. When you or a loved one experiences this treatment the pressure can lead to unhealthy behavioral health conditions like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and even posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). LGBTQIA couples also face the same relational challenges that those outside their community do, whether it’s issues of sex, dealing with family members, finances, or effectively communicating with one another. Thankfully, all of the aforementioned challenges that LGBTQIA people face are ones that can be effectively addressed by licensed counseling, or coaching, professionals during individual or couples therapy sessions.
Thriveworks Short Pump Counselors and Coaches Understand LGBTQIA Issues
As we’ve seen, if you or someone you care about identifies as an LGBTQIA individual, you or they still face societal pressures including discrimination and harassment. Those can induce stress which leads the LGBTQIA person to engage in some unhealthy behaviors in order to cope. Additionally, if you or someone close to you is involved in an LGBTQIA relationship, there may be unresolved issues with a partner that require some coaching intervention. At Thriveworks Henrico Virginia our compassionate and helpful mental health professionals are equipped for LGBTQIA counseling. They stand ready to provide insight while assisting you or your loved one overcome their challenges while developing a more positive outlook on life. For more information on our LGBTQIA coaching services, or how to become a certified Thriveworks Henrico, VA coach, call: (804) 205-3408 today or visit our Contact page now.
