Your Low-Stress Guide to Leveling-Up Your Bedtime Routine

Are You Burnt Out or Depressed?

This can lead tobody image issues.

Call 911, or call or text 988, theNational Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

alt

Gender dysphoria may then become closely intertwined with body image issues.

But these stats should be framed around chronic exposure to discrimination, andnotpersonal failure.

It is critical to view this increased vulnerability through the lens of theMinority Stress Model2, says Kipling.

alt

licensed psychologist specializing in LGBTQ+ mental health and founder ofBrave Space Psychology

It typically requires a broad approachand one that involves the help of people who care.

Everyonenot just mental health professionalshave a role in LGBTQ+ mental health and body image.

In other words, the onus should not be on LGBTQ+ people to educate and initiate change.

alt

As a first step, start educating yourself on LGBTQ+ mental health and health-care disparities.

Many providers arent equipped to handle the needs of LGBTQ+ patients.

Instead, consider preparing a list of resources to connect your loved one with affirming careboth locally and online.

alt

To start, Rosenkrantz recommends the following:

Finally, start the conversation in a kind, non-judgmental way.

Offer the resources youve prepared without any expectations of how theyll react or how the conversation will go.

Remember: Everyones pace and journey toward self-acceptance is different.

alt

licensed psychologist specializing in LGBTQ+ mental health and founder ofBrave Space Psychology

When to seek support

Sometimes, its difficult to see when body image issues have taken over.

They can be subtle, and flow into multiple different areas of your life.

reviewed by Jennifer Gilbert, MD, MPH

Quittkat, Hannah L et al.

alt

Body Dissatisfaction, Importance of Appearance, and Body Appreciation in Men and Women Over the Lifespan.Frontiers in psychiatryvol.

17 Dec. 2019, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00864

Parker, Lacie L, and Jennifer A Harriger.

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in the LGBT population: a review of the literature.Journal of eating disordersvol.

alt

16 Oct. 2020, doi:10.1186/s40337-020-00327-y

McConnell, Elizabeth A et al.

Multiple Minority Stress and LGBT Community Resilience among Sexual Minority Men.Psychology of sexual orientation and gender diversityvol.

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.