We’re facing a new chapter in this country and many of us are feeling less safe, less supported and more fearful. Unfortunately, this external threat magnifies the pain and vulnerability that go along with any internal struggle we may be facing.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, relationship troubles, parenting challenges, gender identity, issues around sexuality or self esteem, you are not alone. And now, more than ever, is the time to reach out. Our struggles often feel so personal and raw that we retreat inward. We nurse our wounds as best we can never recognizing that the key to healing is coming out into the light.
I want to gently encourage you to reach out if you are hurting. There are people all around you who want to help. Whatever issues you are facing, I can guarantee that someone else has been there and come out stronger, healthier and happier on the other side. It is our experiences of hurting, struggling and making it through that allow us to extend a hand to help someone going through it all just behind us.
There are organizations that support the issues I listed, and many others that support the ones I haven’t listed. Here are a few:
Texas Parent 2 Parent (a list of resources for parents and caregivers of children with a chronic illness, disability of special need http://www.txp2p.org/resources/
Warm Line (a free phone service available to parents and caregivers 9 am to 3 pm. Volunteers are available to provide friendly support, helpful suggestions, resources and developmental facts) http://www.dallasparents.org/warmline.html
DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) Online support groups http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=peer_Online_Support_Groups
Youth First Texas (providing group interaction and individual support for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth) http://www.youthfirsttexas.com/index.html
Renee Baker, LPC, (list of a variety of Trans Organizations in Dallas) http://www.renee-baker.com/transgender-counseling-dallas/transgender-group/
You may also find individual or relationship counseling helpful. Counseling provides a safe place and a safe partner to explore the issues that are keeping you from having the life you want.
If you are looking for counseling fees set on a sliding scale, the University of North Texas Dallas campus has an excellent counseling clinic available to the public, http://www.untdallas.edu/ccc. They provide individual, couples and adolescent counseling as well as play therapy. Evening hours are available.
