Best Life Therapy Blogs - Grief, Anxiety, Stress & More
- posted: May 20, 2025
Blog Post Written by, Vicky Alvarez, Clinical Therapist and CEO of Best Life Therapy
Have you ever known a teenager who's been bullied for being part of the LGBTQ+ community? For those of you who've worked with teens, you probably know many who've been treated poorly because of their identity or sexual orientation. Some of the bullying comes from peers and sadly, some of that verbal aggression and judgement comes from adults. For many, the rejection and harsh words come from their family. Best Life Therapy provides LGBTQ+ Affirming Care. We provide a safe space for people to talk about their feelings even when others might not like or agree with how they are feeling. We do not guide a young person to "feel a certain way." We listen to them. We honor who they are and try to reduce any shame they might e feeling because shame can create low self-worth and contribute to isolation and feelings of worthlessness.
According to the Trevor Project's 2024 National Survey, 39% of LGBTQ+ people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. This statistic is even higher for transgender and nonbinary young people with a staggering 46% having had serious thoughts about suicide. The survey revealed that youth of color experienced serious thoughts of suicide at a higher rate than white peers. 1 in 10 (12%) attempted suicide in the past year. The 2025 year has been especially difficult for this community and has brought about additional fears and anxiety.
On a more positive note, the Trevor Project's 2024 National Survey also examined some protective factors. One very important factor that reduced thoughts of suicide was living in a supportive community. LGBTQ+ individuals reported a 50% reduction in serous thoughts of suicide. This statistic tells us that a supportive community can keep people alive. As a mental health group practice that is one of the many points, we'd like people to really understand about this topic. Acceptance keeps people alive.
There's a harmful misconception that LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of depression and suicide simply because of their gender identify or sexual orientation. The truth is, being LGBTQ+ does not inherently make someone prone to poor mental health. The struggles they face are highly correlated with the level of acceptance in the environment. When young people are repeatedly subjected to rejection, discrimination, and harassment, the consequences on their mental well-being are devastating. The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey confirms what many have known for years—anti-LGBTQ+ victimization directly contributes to increased suicide risk. These individuals are not broken. They are navigating a world that too often refuses to affirm and support them.
The good news? Affirmation and support dramatically improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth. Safe, accepting environments—whether at home, school, or in therapy—can make all the difference. Best Life Therapy is one such place where young people can find compassionate, affirming care. Our therapists understand that LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges, and we are committed to providing a space where all people are seen, heard, and supported. No one should have to fight for their mental health alone, and with the right help, healing is possible.
How can you help? Support can come in many forms, including:
1. Listen actively and with compassion. Release any judgement and assumptions and offer unconditional support.
2. Affirm and respect their identities - without question or hesitation. Demonstrate respect by using their pronouns.
3. Advocate for inclusive policies that protect their rights. This can be done by helping to educate and inform others.
4. Provide access to mental health care that prioritizes their unique needs. Ask them if they want to talk to a therapist. Let them know we are available if they need support.
With support, LGBTQ+ youth can begin to feel empowered, learn to be resilient, develop improved confidence, and realize they are worthy of love exactly as they are.
Best Life Therapy understands the importance of separating our personal beliefs from our professional responsibilities to help clients. We respect and promote a client's right to make their own decisions even when those decisions do not correlate with our own personal beliefs. When working with clients, as professionals our personal beliefs are not imposed upon our clients. While we are committed to affirming and supporting all people, we simply do not believe in discrimination.
We have reviewed the research and have witnessed the negative effects discrimination can have on mental and emotional health. It is clear that the LGBTQ+ community has been hurt by the words and actions of others. Research shows that discrimination can lead to depression, stress, low self-esteem and anxiety. As mental health professionals, our code of ethics emphasizes that individuals should not be treated differently based on characteristics like race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
Some clients and community members may struggle to embrace inclusion. If that describes you, we want you to know that when we say everyone is welcome, we mean it. Our beliefs do not have to be the same for you to benefit from therapy. In many sessions, this is a topic that does not come up at all. However, for those who have been negatively impacted by judgement and discrimination, we want them to know this is a safe place and we are here to support you. This blog is intended to bring awareness to an issue that has been shown to cause significant psychological distress for many people. We understand that we are all different in our own way and everyone is entitled to be who they are. Nobody deserves to feel like they do not belong in this world.
Regardless of differences, we are all human and we deserve to live in a world in which we feel respected. Differences of opinion between human beings have caused cause so much separation and division in our world. People should not feel like they need to fight for their existence. If you or someone you know could use some support, Best Life Therapy has openings and we'd be honored to support you. We believe in kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Best Life Therapy is committed to being part of the mission of ending the silence around LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health. We believe Mental Health Matters and All People Matter. Visit our website to learn more about our therapists. Select the therapist you'd like to work with, view their calendar and reserve your appointment, https://bestlifethrapy.net. Questions, call 810-771-3457 or use the contact form on our website.
- posted: May 20, 2025
Blog Post Written by, Vicky Alvarez, Clinical Therapist and CEO of Best Life Therapy
Have you ever known a teenager who's been bullied for being part of the LGBTQ+ community? For those of you who've worked with teens, you probably know many who've been treated poorly because of their identity or sexual orientation. Some of the bullying comes from peers and sadly, some of that verbal aggression and judgement comes from adults. For many, the rejection and harsh words come from their family. Best Life Therapy provides LGBTQ+ Affirming Care. We provide a safe space for people to talk about their feelings even when others might not like or agree with how they are feeling. We do not guide a young person to "feel a certain way." We listen to them. We honor who they are and try to reduce any shame they might e feeling because shame can create low self-worth and contribute to isolation and feelings of worthlessness.
According to the Trevor Project's 2024 National Survey, 39% of LGBTQ+ people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. This statistic is even higher for transgender and nonbinary young people with a staggering 46% having had serious thoughts about suicide. The survey revealed that youth of color experienced serious thoughts of suicide at a higher rate than white peers. 1 in 10 (12%) attempted suicide in the past year. The 2025 year has been especially difficult for this community and has brought about additional fears and anxiety.
On a more positive note, the Trevor Project's 2024 National Survey also examined some protective factors. One very important factor that reduced thoughts of suicide was living in a supportive community. LGBTQ+ individuals reported a 50% reduction in serous thoughts of suicide. This statistic tells us that a supportive community can keep people alive. As a mental health group practice that is one of the many points, we'd like people to really understand about this topic. Acceptance keeps people alive.
There's a harmful misconception that LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of depression and suicide simply because of their gender identify or sexual orientation. The truth is, being LGBTQ+ does not inherently make someone prone to poor mental health. The struggles they face are highly correlated with the level of acceptance in the environment. When young people are repeatedly subjected to rejection, discrimination, and harassment, the consequences on their mental well-being are devastating. The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey confirms what many have known for years—anti-LGBTQ+ victimization directly contributes to increased suicide risk. These individuals are not broken. They are navigating a world that too often refuses to affirm and support them.
The good news? Affirmation and support dramatically improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth. Safe, accepting environments—whether at home, school, or in therapy—can make all the difference. Best Life Therapy is one such place where young people can find compassionate, affirming care. Our therapists understand that LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges, and we are committed to providing a space where all people are seen, heard, and supported. No one should have to fight for their mental health alone, and with the right help, healing is possible.
How can you help? Support can come in many forms, including:
1. Listen actively and with compassion. Release any judgement and assumptions and offer unconditional support.
2. Affirm and respect their identities - without question or hesitation. Demonstrate respect by using their pronouns.
3. Advocate for inclusive policies that protect their rights. This can be done by helping to educate and inform others.
4. Provide access to mental health care that prioritizes their unique needs. Ask them if they want to talk to a therapist. Let them know we are available if they need support.
With support, LGBTQ+ youth can begin to feel empowered, learn to be resilient, develop improved confidence, and realize they are worthy of love exactly as they are.
Best Life Therapy understands the importance of separating our personal beliefs from our professional responsibilities to help clients. We respect and promote a client's right to make their own decisions even when those decisions do not correlate with our own personal beliefs. When working with clients, as professionals our personal beliefs are not imposed upon our clients. While we are committed to affirming and supporting all people, we simply do not believe in discrimination.
We have reviewed the research and have witnessed the negative effects discrimination can have on mental and emotional health. It is clear that the LGBTQ+ community has been hurt by the words and actions of others. Research shows that discrimination can lead to depression, stress, low self-esteem and anxiety. As mental health professionals, our code of ethics emphasizes that individuals should not be treated differently based on characteristics like race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
Some clients and community members may struggle to embrace inclusion. If that describes you, we want you to know that when we say everyone is welcome, we mean it. Our beliefs do not have to be the same for you to benefit from therapy. In many sessions, this is a topic that does not come up at all. However, for those who have been negatively impacted by judgement and discrimination, we want them to know this is a safe place and we are here to support you. This blog is intended to bring awareness to an issue that has been shown to cause significant psychological distress for many people. We understand that we are all different in our own way and everyone is entitled to be who they are. Nobody deserves to feel like they do not belong in this world.
Regardless of differences, we are all human and we deserve to live in a world in which we feel respected. Differences of opinion between human beings have caused cause so much separation and division in our world. People should not feel like they need to fight for their existence. If you or someone you know could use some support, Best Life Therapy has openings and we'd be honored to support you. We believe in kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Best Life Therapy is committed to being part of the mission of ending the silence around LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health. We believe Mental Health Matters and All People Matter. Visit our website to learn more about our therapists. Select the therapist you'd like to work with, view their calendar and reserve your appointment, https://bestlifethrapy.net. Questions, call 810-771-3457 or use the contact form on our website.
We Specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Trauma
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- Photo taken at Flushing County Park, Michigan