By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
A safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to share their stories is being offered in Bowling Green.
A support group formed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness is meeting monthly to give LGBTQ+ individuals a place for community and compassion.
“The first step is showing up,” said Beca Rios, vice president of BGOPride.
The group addresses common stressors, like family life, isolation, coming out, and work issues.
The goal is for attendees to support each other through difficulties, and learn from each other’s successes.
“We know the need is there,” Rios said, explaining that the support group is available for those who can’t access therapy, or to supplement treatment.
The support group is not led by clinicians, but rather by members of the LGBTQ+ community trained for the task.
“Community is everything – making sure we’re there for them,” Rios said.
The support group for LGBTQ+ members started as the result of a grant from Kohl’s, and an idea from Crista Metzger-Leady, a family coach for Mercy, who serves on the NAMI board.
Metzger-Leady said part of her job is looking for gaps in services that still exist in Wood County. Providing support to the LGBTQ+ community was lacking, she said.
“This is something we’ve been dreaming about for a long time,” said Courtney Rice, NAMI manager of development and marketing.
NAMI leaders know it’s been tough going for support groups since the COVID pandemic. Attendance numbers never recovered after the pandemic, and group meetings can be difficult for those dealing with mental health issues.
“People struggle to reach out for all mental health support groups,” Rice said.
But showing up starts the support process.
“Even if they aren’t ready to talk the first times,” Rios said.
Learning can take place during listening.
“Just knowing you’re not alone in this helps,” said Jordan Musgrave, president of BGO Pride.
The meetings are free and no registration is required.
“People can just come,” Rice said.
So far, attendance is sparse – but NAMI and BGO Pride remain hopeful.
“We’re excited to see where this goes – how big it gets. We know the need is there,” Metzger-Leady said.
The support group meets in person on the last Wednesday of each month, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the NAMI office at 1250 Ridgewood Drive, Bowling Green. The next meeting is Aug. 28.
The free support group offers an opportunity for those 18 and older in the LGBTQ+ community to share their stories with others who have similar experiences, and gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others.
According to NAMI, studies have shown that participation in support groups leads to improved mental health outcomes. While NAMI support groups do not replace therapy or treatment plans created by mental health professionals, the groups create community and foster connections, leading to a sense of belonging and support.
To learn more about NAMI Wood County Support Groups, visit https://namiwoodcounty.org/nami-connection-recovery-support-group/.
