GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — “There is no shame in asking for help, and there is no shame in taking medication, or what’s finding what’s best for you” said LGBTQ+ member Ren Fernandez-Kim.
For Ren Fernandez-Kim it was the support group depression looks like me.
Kim stated, “Depression can look like a lot of things.”
“I treat a lot of patients like Ren said who are highly functional working, you know managing their affairs. You would think everything is fine and deep down underneath they really are dealing with things, and are depressed.” Los Angeles LGBT Center Director of psychiatry Dr. Amir Ahuja.
According to the Center Director of psychiatry Dr. Amir Ahuja, he believes traumatization, isolation, and discrimination are the three main things that impact the LGBTQ+ community.
Dr. Amir added, “We know that more people in this community suffer from depression than their heterosexual as counterparts. We also know that they are three times more likely to have any mental health condition.”
That’s why it’s important to go get help, remember there are more people like you out there. You’re not alone.
“There’s a light side, and there’s a dark side, and its very absolute, and then if you have that absolutism where you deny this darkness inside of you, you have an Anakin skywalker, and that doesn’t turn out so well as we all know” Kim uttered.
I’m no star wars expert, but what I do know is talking to family, and trusted friends can help no matter your sexuality. find what works best for you.
Dr. Amir attest, “Our community of LGBTQ+ people is 2.5 times more likely to seek help.”
You shouldn’t be ashamed to seek mental help nor ashamed of your sexuality, it’s a part of who you are. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s going to take time; it is a journey. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s definitely worth it.