‘Love, Me,’ Mental Health Series Shines in New Trailer

Sometimes just knowing you're not alone, finding out that others have shared your struggles with mental health, is the first step to recovery.

This is particularly true for LGBTQ+ people suffering from depression, anxiety, and especially severe treatment-resistant depression. Recognizable, comforting queer voices sharing their own battles, setbacks, and ultimate victories in dealing with these conditions can often be an important guiding hand on the road to affirmation and fulfillment. Such affirming voices are all the more important since research shows LGBTQ+ people suffer disproportionately from conditions like severe treatment-resistant depression.

Love, Me, Pride Media's new editorial, video, and social media series, is our hand extended to those in the LGBTQ+ community struggling with these conditions. We're elevating those affirming voices, allowing them to share their important stories with those who need to hear their message the most. We've heard from Los Angeles-based designer and founder of the online fashion brand Leisure Lab, Daniel Henson, who shared with Out.com how he used his experiences with crippling anxiety and depression as fuel for his creativity. Actor, trainer, and former professional basketball player DeMarco Majors spoke of his struggles with depression at Advocate.com. And Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Mary Lambert will share her story June 22, also at Advocate.com.

According to research from the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, LGBTQ+ adults are three times more likely than straight ones to experience a mental health disorder. In fact, 40 percent of LGBTQ+ adults reported having a mental illness in the past year versus 18 percent of straight adults. Even more disturbing, LGBTQ+ teens are six times as likely to experience depression as straight teens.

The numbers are staggering, which is why Pride Media aims to remind readers that living with depression is not something to be ashamed of. Empowerment is the key to healing and growth. Love, Me is our hand extended to those in need, reminding everyone that depression is a journey we never have to take alone.

If you have contemplated or are contemplating suicide, please know there is a well of support out there to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 can be reached 24 hours a day and is open to people of all ages and identities. If you are a trans or gender-nonconforming person considering suicide, the Trans Lifeline can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The Trevor Projectis the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger). Trained counselors at the Trevor Project Lifeline can be reached 24/7 at (866) 488-7386, by texting START to 678678, or via the TrevorChat instant messaging service at TheTrevorProject.org/Help.