Celebrating Pride Month - Learning to be your “Authentic Self”
Pride Month Celebration
The month of June, known as Pride Month, is a time for LGBTQIA+ people to celebrate living authentically.
The LGBTQIA+ community has made massive social strides in recent years:
Countries around the world passed legislation in 2023 to make places safer for LGBTQIA+ individuals, including marriage equality, adoption rights, legal gender recognition for transgender individuals, and more.
Eight LGBTQIA+ activists and artists made it on Time's "most influential" list in 2024.
Nearly 200 young adult books with LGBTQIA+ characters were published in 2023, and LGBTQIA+ book saleshave risen significantly over the past few years.
However, there have also been significant and traumatic setbacks, from anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation to identity-based violence.
Jean-Claude Chalmet, founder and leading psychotherapist at The Place Retreats in Bali, understands that "the LGBTQIA+ community still faces enormous challenges. The first is to be exactly who you are, which is a fundamental right."
Unfortunately, anti-trans legislation, hate-based crimes, and LGBTQIA+ discrimination can make it difficult for many in the community to exercise that fundamental right and live their lives in a safe, supportive, and healthy manner.
A high-risk group for mental health issues
The mental health issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community are widespread and need to be urgently addressed.
Research has historically shown that those in the LGBTQIA+ community have a much higher prevalence of mental health issues. In the USA alone, over 39% reported having a mental illness episode in the last year, with bisexual and transgender communities having the highest rates of mental health issues within the LGBTQIA+ population.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, "members of the LGBTQIA+ community are more than twice as likely as heterosexual people to experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. They are also less likely to receive effective, compassionate care." As a result, those needing the most help will avoid seeking it.
Alarmingly, younger members of the LGBTQIA+ community have the most mental health concerns across all age groups as they experience more prejudice, harassment, family rejection, shame, fear, discrimination, and trauma. Health care for LGBTQIA+ young people, in particular, is inadequate, often forcing already vulnerable individuals into living inauthentic lives with dangerous consequences. As stated by The Trevor Project's 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, "41% of LGBTQIA+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including roughly half of transgender and nonbinary youth."
If the individual also belongs to an additional group that is marginalized in their society (if they are minority ethnic, for example), this extra external stressor can add even further strain on mental health. National Institute of Health studies from 2022 show that the Covid-19 pandemic heavily contributed to decreased quality of life, especially for LGBTQIA+ minorities. Add to this daily workplace challenges and the stress and fear of coming out, and, unsurprisingly, underlying mental health conditions are further amplified.
Recovery: The importance of being understood
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are also proven to be at higher risk for substance use disorders. A 2024 report from the American Addiction Centers has found that "from alcohol misuse and binge drinking to the use of substances like methamphetamines, heroin, and opioids, many people in the sexual minority struggle with addiction." The latest statistics report that LGBTQIA+ adults are "more than twice as likely as their heterosexual counterparts to use illicit drugs and almost twice as likely to suffer from a substance use disorder."
Why such a sharp increase? When your mental health is affected, unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs, alcohol, and other addictive behaviors can quickly develop.
For recovery to be successful, the process has to be holistic and LGBTQIA+ affirming. "People that visit me for the first time often say, 'I have something to tell you, but I don't quite know how to do it,' and 'I'm not sure how you're going to react,'" says Jean-Claude, "If your therapist is not able to understand, accept and work with you exactly as you are, my advice would be to change therapist."
If a therapist or healthcare provider is sufficiently skilled, they will understand that there is more to you than your gender or sexuality and encourage you to be the best and most authentic version of yourself. As a client you absolutely must feel safe and comfortable sharing private and intimate details about yourself. Only then can you fully commit to recovery and living your most authentic life.
Specialist medical support for transgender clients
When seeking medical care, there is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Transgender clients, for example, could be concerned about the way any new prescriptions or detox process may interact with their hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Any combination of these factors could create yet another unintended change in body chemistry and further any mental health challenges.
Another concern during any transition might be body image. Eating disorders can be common among trans patients, with statistics in a 2020 US study showing that 10.5% of transgender men and 8.1% of transgender women have been diagnosed with such a disorder.
This can partially be attributed to attempts to create a physical appearance that more closely matches their gender identity.
Finding the right balance of treatment and medication can be complicated - and, more importantly, it takes time. This is why finding access to gender-affirming care throughout the process of detox and recovery is so vital.
There is some good news to celebrate in the transgender community! The Trevor Project's latest poll shows increasing supportamong parents for transgender and non-binary youth, with 69% of adults saying they would honor their child's chosen name and pronouns. Despite thelatest legal setbacks, slowly but surely, the tide is turning to acceptance for the transgender community.
The "chosen family" and their role in the therapy process
For many members of the LGBTQIA+ community, family can be a complex and sometimes painful concept, with many adopting a "chosen family" that is different from their biological family.
As your health has an impact on your loved ones, involving your family in your therapy can be an essential element of your recovery process as long as boundaries are respected. Those dealing with rejection from their family because of their sexuality or gender identity need to feel safe above all else and free to include only the family they wish.
LGBTQIA+ affirming treatment at The Place Retreats
The Place Retreats in Bali offers LGBTQIA+ rehab programs designed to support individuals, couples, and groups in reaching their goals and becoming their authentic selves.
The practice is led by world-renowned psychotherapist Jean-Claude Chalmet. Chalmet is a member of myGwork, a business community for LGBTQIA+ professionals, students, inclusive employers, and anyone who believes in workplace equality. Fluent in seven languages, Chalmet practices confidential, affirmative, and nonjudgmental counseling regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, politics, culture, or nationality.
With his intimate viewpoint, Chalmet understands that the LGBTQIA+ community faces many unique stressors and deserves culturally sensitive healthcare providers who fully understand the obstacles facing the community. At The Place Retreats, Chalmet and his specialized team offer a supportive, affirming environment to help navigate these challenges.
The Place Retreats provides immersive luxury retreats that span from a week to 90 days. Our services include:
Personalized Therapy: Tailored sessions for individuals dealing with LGBTQIA+ Affirming Treatment, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and more.
Holistic Treatments: Including Kundalini yoga, meditation, shamanic sound healing, and much more.
Supportive Environment: A safe and luxurious setting where guests can focus on their recovery and well-being.
Contact us today if you're ready to start your journey towards mental well-being and authenticity.
