Take action today, tomorrow, and every day
In partnership with over 1600 brands, nonprofits, cultural leaders and government agencies, Envision:You and One Colorado are proud to be partners in the second annual Mental Health Action Day on Thursday, May 19th to encourage and empower people to take the next step for #MentalHealthAction. See below for specific action steps that you can take for yourself, for your loved ones, and for your community. Today is a great day to take action for LGBTQ+ mental health!
Take action for your loved ones
Substance use and mental health concerns do not get better when they are ignored; in fact, they are likely to get much worse. If you think a friend, family member, or colleague may be suffering in silence, you can help them to open up and feel they can trust you. Individuals that identify as LGBTQ+ are often unable to find culturally relevant and affirming treatment services, or they may be fearful of facing discrimination by behavioral and mental health providers. For those struggling, it is important they understand that they are supported, and that help is available. For tips, conversation starters, and frequently asked questions on 'How to Have the Talk' with your loved one or friend, visit how-to-have-the-talk.org.
Please also check out the two videos below, stating the importance of de-stigmatizing conversations about mental health and substance use, from Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis, and Colorado drag queen celebrities Dixie Crystals and Kai Lee Mykels.
Take action for your community
Your sphere of influence is bigger than you think. You can make meaningful change for LGBTQ+ mental health across Colorado and beyond, and it does not have to cost a penny or take up significant time. We thank One Colorado for developing a Systems-Level Toolkit that gives you lots of options to take action for your whole community. Below are some highlights, and click here for the complete toolkit.
Tell your Colorado legislators you are proud of HB22-1267, which improves Coloradans’ access to competent, inclusive healthcare providers who are trained and able to meet their unique health needs, and remind them about the impact inclusive, affirming healthcare will have in our communities.
Update your voter registration and/or register to vote in Colorado. Or, help someone you know register to vote. And if you’re trans or nonbinary and voting in Colorado, learn more about your voting rights and gender markers!
Connect with queer-focused and queer-friendly mental health organizations and initiatives like I Matter, which provides 3 free counseling sessions for all Colorado youth, Queer Asterisk, which provides counseling services “with an emphasis on queer resilience and vitality” and takes Medicaid and sliding scale patients, and i Am Clinic, which specializes in sexuality, trans identity, parents of LGBTQ+ children, anger management, anxiety/depression, and trauma therapy. More resources in the complete toolkit!
