12 Strategies For A Stress-free LGBTQIA+ Coming Out Experience

LGBTQIA+ community has to face a lot of discrimination in society from cisgender people at all levels in their lives, which makes them anxious or stressed in all situations.

What you need to know:

Harassment and discrimination in the education sector
Strategies for dealing with anxiety and stress while coming out

Harassment and discrimination in the education sector

Harassment and discrimination towards LGBTQIA+ individuals in the education sector is a pervasive issue that demands urgent attention. LGBTQIA+ students often face verbal harassment and derogatory comments. Physical abuse, such as bullying and assault, also occurs, creating a hostile environment that can lead to severe psychological distress. Over 35% of people have experienced physical assault, and 12% have been the victim of sexual violence at school. These challenges hinder their growth and create a bad environment, impacting their academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being.

Institutional discrimination

In a lot of social settings, LGBTQIA+ community people are discriminated against a lot of times. They have been frequently denied career advancement or promotions, and that number is even higher in getting into a new job. Therefore, their unemployment rate is double the rate of the general population.

Family rejections

This is very common in the queer community, and this leads to a lack of self-confidence and homelessness, which makes it difficult for them to stay in school; they may start getting addicted to smoking, drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes.

Strategies for dealing with anxiety and stress while coming out

The most challenging decision for the LGBTQIA+ community is coming out, who to go out with, and how to do it. Below are the points that help one to deal with the anxiety and stress of coming out:

Develop a support network-

The support group could be friends, family, LGBTQIA+ community support group, etc., who are there to listen to the person and provide help when coming out.

Participating in social activities-

To enhance self-confidence, try participating in social activities by joining a group or club. For example, one could walk or talk to someone to share thoughts and emotions.

Practise deep breathing-

When it comes to anxiety and stress, deep breathing is the best way to overcome it. Practising deep breathing daily once or twice helps the person to enhance their mind, which makes them confident and allows them to make decisions and take action wisely. In times of stress or anxiety, we generally experience shortness of breath, increasing our heart rate. Practising deep breathing and relaxation techniques can make you feel calmer in these moments.

Self-care –

Giving time for staying healthy can make you mentally stronger to engage in hobbies like going to a spa, spending time in nature, etc or doing some exercises; journaling can boost overall well-being greatly!

Setting the boundaries-

Setting boundaries is the most challenging process, but it’s important so no one can take advantage of another person.

Focus on positives-

Coming out can make you live with your true self; therefore, focus on being positive even though it can be stressful.

Letting go of expectations-

People with whom one tries to come out might not react as they thought; therefore, letting go of their expectations will help them deal with unsupportive reactions.

Coming out at work-

Deciding to come out at the workplace also requires a lot of decision-making, as it is essential to ensure that the workplace environment is inclusive for all. Some policies, procedures, rules, and regulations should include LGBTQIA+ members to foster a culture of proper LGBTQIA+ representation in workplaces.

Coming out at home-

This is a tough decision to make. Generally, it is seen that queer people decide to come out with their family members when their family members pressure them to get married to cisgender. At that time, it is essential to have the support of LGBTQIA+ folks or one’s queer affirmative therapist. It is very much possible that the family members respond very harshly, which leads to stress, anxiety, depression, etc. Therefore, support group help is essential, and practicing daily mindfulness-based exercises is recommended.

Coming out with friends–

People generally come out with friends if they are very close and share a good bond with them. They need to see what their friends think about the LGBTQIA+ community in general, and knowing their views might help them decide whether to come out with them or not.

Seek help from mental health professionals-

Getting help from the best mental health professionals gives them a feeling of support. Also, it makes them develop a more holistic approach to dealing with their stress, anxiety, or panic.

Taking the help from one’s queer affirmative therapist helps one learn some additional coping strategies and tailor their individual needs.

For 24×7 Mental Health Assistance, Call 1800-120-820-050

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