AFSP Community Conversation: What Advice Would You Give to Someone Struggling with their Identity?

In honor of Pride month, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention asked our Instagram followers what advice they would give to someone struggling with their identity.

Our social community showed up in our direct messages with suggestions. These responses are not from counseling experts, but rather AFSP community members who just like you may have struggled with their identity. Know that you’re not alone and that AFSP is committed to supporting the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people.

Join us in our mission to prevent suicide in all communities and discover expert resources for LGBTQ community mental health through AFSP’s LGBTQ Resource Guide.

What advice would you give to someone struggling with their identity?

• Hold on to the love you give yourself without judgment. Love genuinely

• Take your time. You don’t have to have everything figured out this second

• There is no pressure to figure it out. There’s no time limit

• Be gentle with yourself. Talk to a therapist or a trusted friend or family member to help 

• Talk to someone and ask for support

• Though you may feel alone, there are people who support and love you no matter what

• Come out on your own terms and know that there’s a community waiting to embrace you ❤️

• Nothing is permanent! If you identify one way and then you realize you no longer identify with that way, you can change! Humans change

• Let yourself be who you are. You don’t need a label for your identity. Be yourself ❤️

• Be gentle with yourself. Talk to a therapist or a trusted friend or family member to help

• Give it time. Do not try to rush the process

• There is nothing wrong with you. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Love yourself

• You’re just as valid as someone who is confident in their identity 

Thank you to everyone who shared a response.

Read what Pride month means to AFSP’s social media community