LGBTQ

The progress we have made can often overshadow many of the struggles people in the LGBTQ community continue to face. In particular, these struggles include mental health and addiction.

SAMHSA has reported that the LGBTQ community suffers from mental illness and substance use disorder at disproportionate rates when compared to their “straight” peers. The causes of these problems in the community run very deep. No single article or guide can fully unearth the answers to these troubling questions.

Thanks to leadership in both the public and private sectors, resources for LGBTQ people who are suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders are becoming more and more available.

Here are some of the best resources for addressing the mental health and substance use needs in the LGBT Community in Georgia:

Mental wellbeing is essential. As we have seen since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more people than ever are seeking help for mental illness. Although it’s difficult to see so many of our neighbors struggling, the silver lining is that people ARE looking for help, and help is available.

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Georgia Chapter: 800-273-8255
• Positive Impact Health Centers: 404-589-9040
• LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists in Atlanta by Psychology Today
• LGBTQ-Friendly Counselors by The Therapy Den
• Georgia Shift and Georgia Hope have provided some excellent local and national mental health resources for LGBTQ audiences.

Substance use disorders can disrupt the lives of both the people who use and the people who love them. When someone has been abusing drugs or alcohol, it can become impossible for them to quit on their own. Help has to come from someone: a doctor, who can help ensure the toxins of drugs and alcohol are removed from the body; a family member or friend to hold a hand during the difficult times; a professional, who can explain and educate people about addiction in ways no one else can; a mentor, who has made it through recovery and is willing to share their experience to help others overcome addiction.

Some of the ways we can provide help to our clients at The Summit Wellness Group include:

• Find out more about our recovery programs
• See some of the different addictions we treat
• Learn about our programs
• Read more about our team and The Summit Wellness Group’s locations

The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to face these problems alone. While 2020 has been a year of isolation, there are many online and in-person resources available.

If you are in a crisis, please reach out to one of the services below. Don’t hesitate. You’re worth it!

• The Crisis Text Line – Free text line that serves anyone in any type of crisis, providing 24/7 support and information via text. Text HOME to 741-741 from anywhere in the USA or Canada for help with any type of crisis.
• Trevor Text: 1-866-488-7386 – A service provided by The Trevor Project that aims to help LGBTQ youth who may be struggling with a mental health crisis. Text START to 678-678 anytime to be connected with a counselor.
• Georgia Crisis & Access Line: 1-800-715-4225
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255