Hope and Healing recognizes the many burdensome challenges faced by our LGBTQIA+ community members when seeking adequate healthcare, resources, and community support. We also recognize the fatal impact that these barriers are making on the health and well being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, specifically among young people.

Key findings from The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health include the following statistics: 

If you have experienced or can resonate with this cycle, breaking the pattern of people-pleasing may seem daunting, however, with patience and practice, it is not only possible, but extremely worthwhile. The next time the opportunity to set a boundary presents itself, try one of the strategies below before agreeing with, allowing for, or committing to something:

The world we are all living in is drastically different from the one we grew up in so we can’t fully lean on our teenage experience to help them figure things out. A better understanding of the world they live in might be the key to gaining their acceptance (of our stories and guidance) and a listening ear.

Here are 3 reasons being a teenager is uniquely challenging today and some pointers on having a greater influence than saying, “back in my day” to your teenager: