How we can lift each other up, even when lying face first on the floor

Depression is a demon all LGBT individuals have to face from time-to-time. Some of us struggle with it more than others. Whether we face it alone, with others or we offer support to someone else who is struggling, it is a regular part of our daily lives.

One of the causes for depression among trans gender individuals are societal and family issues often preventing us from beginning our transition journey to become our authentic selves. Sometimes the gender dysphoria and the negative feelings it causes within us can bring us to tears. Often times it can be so overwhelming we lose ourselves.

Even though being snowed under the weight of depression, anxiety and dysphoria can cause us all to buckle under, one area that can also get us as down is our efforts to lift up one another. One of my trans sisters pointed out her and I were both holding each other up while our foundation was made out of straw and we collapsed whenever it rained. The problem is I couldn’t hold her up when I had fallen nor could she when it was I who stumbled. This is evident whenever we try to prop up a fellow trans brother or sister while we are ourselves on our own knees trying to stand back up.

One of my most trusted sisters told me that despite the front she often puts on, she is far from as strong as people think. So many people are leaning on her I see her often buckle under the weight. This has gotten me down whenever I am on the floor crying and I have to wipe off my own tears and try my best to comfort a friend in need. This is a part of life, however. I am a firm believer nobody has it figured out. We’re all just trying to get through it all in our own way.

What can we do? Listen when your friends come to you. Be there. Offer a thoughtful suggestion if they ask but sometimes just paying attention to them can go a long ways in standing out in their minds. Also one thing I emphasize is check in on your friends. We’re all hurting. Sometimes I will go out of my way to check in on my friends. But, I get down myself when nobody I care about takes the time to reach out to me. I will never ignore or neglect anyone even if it takes me a while to get back to you. In the meantime never be afraid to lift one another up. We all need it from time to time.