Resources for Mental Health

https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/mental-health-myths-facts

Gay Pride Month-Why is it Necessary to Have a Pride Parade?

Over the years, I have heard many friends and acquaintances ask “Why isn’t there a straight pride?” I am sure many of you have thought this but have remained silent.  Some might say this is a fair and reasonable question. Others may say that is an example of how many cis heterosexuals (a term used to describe a person’s gender identity, matching the sex that they were assigned at birth) fail to understand how the LGBT+ community has struggled to exist without prosecution and why it’s necessary to have a movement that has continued for decades.   To help you understand, I am taking you back a few decades. Hopefully this will help you better understand why it is necessary to have a Pride Parade and why the LGBT+ community continues to have this movement each year.Throughout history, the LGBT+ community has been looked at with disgust, disdain and fear thus they were required to go underground to avoid being viewed in this way. An overwhelming number of people in the medical community viewed the LGBT + community as having psychopathology (mental illness and sexual deviance).  The LGBT+ community was constantly under attack just as other marginalized groups were. The civil rights movement for African Americans was in the early infancy stages and slowly advancing with some constitutional amendments. However, homosexual acts were not protected by the law or the constitution. Homosexuality and Masquerading (drag queens) was still illegal in all states except for Illinois. Neither the law nor the constitution protected the LGBT+ community.  Educators, doctors, lawyers or any profession with a professional license could have the license revoked. Public service announcements were televised in the 1960s by CBS specifying that “homosexuals were promiscuous and are not interested or capable of a lasting relationship like a heterosexual marriage.” A prominent psychologist further went on to say that “No man was born homosexual and homosexuality was formed in the first 3 years of life.” The “mental illness of homosexuality” was viewed as reaching epidemiological proportions. In addition to the aforementioned, police departments used lectures as a way to scare juveniles from being homosexual, mental institutions were using castration, sterilization, aversive conditioning (shock therapy), lobotomies and psycho stimulants that simulated drowning similar to water boarding to “cure sexual diseases like homosexuality. Through bar raids, The LGBT+ community were hunted and beaten by police arrested for loitering, solicitation and crimes against nature. If you were arrested you were not only subjected to embarrassment, harassment but listed in the newspaper as a sexual deviant. Repeated bar raids occurred in the 1960s however due to an increase in active social/political movements, the LGBT+ community stood up and said no more. After repeated raids, the final straw came In June 1969 where a mob owned, small dive bar in Greenwich Village, named the Stonewall Inn, was raided by the NYC Police Department. This began the violent demonstrations by the members of the LGBT+ community that are called the Stonewall Riots.   On the 1^st year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, June 1970, the LGBT+ community marched 51 blocks to central park for the first pride march in U.S History. So now you know the events that led up to the Stonewall Riots. So why do they still need a parade you ask? They have equal rights! They want special rights! Well, this is where we discuss the last 2 decades, so that you better understand why this is still as important as it was in 1969. In 2004, same sex marriage was granted in Massachusetts.  After several failed attempts of states attempting to amend their constitution to define marriage between a man and a woman, the US Supreme Court found that nationwide federal anti-same sex marriage laws were found to be unconstitutional. In June 2012, Marriage equality was granted in all fifty states.  They finally have equality right? No, sorry, not even close.  Just like other social/political movements, we take two steps forward and take three steps back. The following list reflects only a few policy changes that have occurred in the last 3 years. There are several others that have not been listed.  1.) A federal policy indicating transgender workers were protected from discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was reversed. This new rule is conflicting to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (another federal agency).  Several federal courts have ruled that Title VII does protect transgender workers.  2.) The Justice Department argued in a federal lawsuit that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 doesn’t protect gay workers from discrimination. Despite the court having ruled in favor of LGBT + rights, the current administration has not reversed its stance that it’s legal under federal law to fire employees for being gay. 3.) The Bureau of Prisons reversed an earlier position that had allowed transgender inmates to use cellblocks and bathrooms, which match their gender identity. Federal officials now “will use biological sex” to determine the type of housing transgender inmates are given, resulting in conditions that increase the likelihood of rape for transgender women. The administration will not explain how they will determine who is transgender and who is not. 4) A Christian bakery owner in Colorado and the Justice Department argued in the Supreme Court that the baker's religious views allow him to by-pass Colorado law, which bans businesses from anti-LGBT+ discrimination. 5.) Protections for transgender students were withdrawn that said Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 must be treated in accordance with their gender identity in classes, sports, and school facilities. 6) The Department of Education is refusing to investigate anti- transgender discrimination complaints in public schools filed by transgender students banned from using restrooms that match their gender identity. 7)  Four Courts have overturned a transgender military ban however the Justice department is still trying to enact the ban. 8) Federal agencies were provided a vague and broad memo stating officials should interpret the Constitution and existing federal law in favor of religious rights. No answer has been provided by the Justice department if this allows federal employees and federal contractors to discriminate against LGBT people. 9) Currently there is no LGBT+ liaison at the White House, a position that previously served as a channel between the executive branch, organizations, and individuals when decision where made on LGBT+ policies. 10) A proposal to collect demographic information on LGBT+ people in the 2020 Census was retracted. Not asking citizens about their sexual orientation and gender identity — like other characteristics — undermines the government’s ability to develop policies that serve LGBT+ people’s health, safety, and other needs. The Department of Health and Human Services, has also said that surveys would no longer collect information on LGBT people. So as the anonymous quote states “  Gay pride was not born out of need to celebrate being gay, but instead our right to exist without prosecution. So maybe instead of wondering why there isn’t a straight pride month or movement, straight people should be thankful they don’t need one”

Dealing with Winter Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD) is commonly referred to as winter depression or winter blues. It is a depressive disorder that tends to occur in the fall or winter months when temperatures start to fall and the days get shorter. Those suffering with SAD are more likely to sleep and eat more. Common symptoms associated with other forms of depression may also occur such as lethargy, sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, trouble with concentration and social withdrawal. Symptoms may become severe enough that the person will have thoughts of death and suicide.The exact cause of seasonal affective disorder is not known but there are some factors that may be involved. It is thought that the reduced amounts of sunlight in the fall and winter months can disrupt our body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) and lead to depressed mood. Less sunlight can cause a drop-in serotonin levels and thus trigger depression. Also, seasonal changes may alter melatonin levels which can affect sleep patterns and subsequently our mood.Women are more at risk for SAD than men. Those who already have clinical depression or bipolar disorder may see symptoms worsening in the fall and winter months. The incidence of SAD is greater among populations that live farther north.Treatments for seasonal affective disorder can include light therapy, medications and psychotherapy. For those with Bipolar disorder it is important that their doctor is aware of this diagnosis as light therapy and ant-depressants can trigger a manic episode.

Light therapy involves sitting a few feet in front of a special light therapy box to give you exposure to bright light. The light therapy acts to replace the amount of sunshine that is lost in the fall and winter months.  Antidepressants known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to treat SAD. Talk therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are known to be effective in the treatment of depressive symptoms.

Those with mild cases of winter blues would benefit from getting more sunlight by either getting outside more or sitting in a south facing winter. Getting regular exercise and keeping a regular sleep schedule can also be helpful.Consult your physician or a mental health professional if you believe you may be dealing with seasonal affective disorder.