In this episode of Just Breathe, Heather Hester discusses mental health specific to our LGBTQ kids starting with some tough questions:

1. Why are depression and anxiety increasing in our kids when overall awareness is also increasing?

2. What are the underlying potential causes that ALL youth have in common?

3. What shifts are needed across the board ie. family/school/professionals?

Heather takes a look at the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as statistics specific to our LGBTQ kids. She talks about the importance of awareness, and being available and then takes apart the "why" as well as the "what we can do."

This episode will not only help you understand LGBTQ-specific adolescent mental health better, but it will also give you tips and information that will help you support your child.

My resources page is a great place to start! I have my favorite websites, articles, and books listed here. I refer to it often, so take a look around. I also add to it monthly, so keep an eye out for new information!

The Trevor Project is a go-to resource for saving young LGBTQ lives.

A personal favorite, Psychology Today allows you to search for all types of therapists using different filters. Love this one!

The Administration for Children and Families will allow you to search for youth and family service agencies in your region. (When in doubt, Google "youth and family services near me.")

An all-around good resource, The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a plethora of information.

Connect with Heather:

The Perfect Holiday Gift! Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Get Your Ally Toolkit (including a free primer!)

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

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Email: hh@chrysalismama.com