Discussing Mental Health Amongst Queer Youth

June 16, 2022, 2 p.m. ·

Queer Table Talk
Social worker Connor Sullivan discusses providing more mental health services for Queer youth during a virtual roundtable discussion (Photo courtesy Inclusive Communities)

Finding mental health help for Queer youth could lead to these kids suffering from less trauma and mental health issues as they grow into adults. That was the focus of a recent Omaha Queer Table Talk sponsored by Inclusive Communities..

Omaha Queer Table Talk held a virtual conversation on how more inclusive mental health resources in schools could reduce trauma for Queer youth. Panelists talked about how their mental health was impacted by the trauma they endured as children exploring their identity.

LaDonna Little Elk-Parpart said it is about the struggles of dealing with how others react to their identities.

“We don't suffer from mental illness because we're gay," Elk-Parpart said. "But it's the trauma that we experience a lot as children that lead to the mental health struggles that we face for the rest of our lives, whether it's from a church or parents, loved ones, society, classmates, whoever and just feeling like you were made wrong somehow and you have to suppress that.”

Panelists also discussed how their careers today allow them to be open with how their past experiences have affected adult life. They spoke about how helping Queer youth feel safe and supported has helped them heal from past trauma. One panelist and current social worker, Connor Sullivan, stresses the importance of universally available mental health resources in schools.

“All of us spoke tonight about the things that we experienced as children," Sullican said. "If we can nip that in the bud, grow a culture, grow a society of welcoming differences, whether that be a queer identity or a mental health identity. I just think that creating a space creating an environment in schools would really change a lot of things.”

To watch the entire roundtable discussion, click here.