You’re not alone, we’re here for you.
There’s a lot going on right now. If you are struggling, we want you to know that you are not alone in your struggles. QMUNITY is here to honor where you are on your journey.
This time of year can be a difficult time for a lot of people in the queer, trans, and Two-Spirit community, and this year is no different. While the start of a new year can feel exciting and inspiring, many individuals feel a sense of gloominess when we turn the page on another year. The days are still short, the holidays are over, and many of us face financial hardship. The height of winter and January, in particular, can be a difficult time for folks in queer, trans, and Two-Spirit communities.
QMUNITY is filled with people just like you, facing similar experiences and taking it one day at a time. This page is your resource center for weathering tougher days and coming out stronger, and more united. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with your community.
On this page:
- 5 things to do when you’re feeling lonely
- QMUNITY Peer Support Groups to Join
- Available Programs & Services at QMUNITY
- QMUNITY Voices
- Useful Links & Resources
5 things to do when you’re feeling lonely.
- Name it.
- There is a stigma surrounding loneliness, so people often don’t feel like they can admit experiencing it, even to themselves. Remember that everyone, especially in this pandemic we’re living in, is lonely at times, and that it’s okay to say it how it is. Even if it’s with ourselves.
- Create something.
- Write a song. Paint something. Make a TikTok. Creativity connects us with our ability to express ourselves. Often, the connection we feel from self-expression takes us out of feelings of loneliness.
- Stop time-travelling.
- Time-travelling is another word for revisiting old memories or trying to see the world how it might be in the future. While time-travelling can be useful and fun, it can also be dysfunctional and create feelings of loneliness. Time to time, it’s important to keep your mind in the present moment.
- Connect with nature.
- Visit a park. Dip your toes in the freezing cold water. Buy a plant and nurture it. Stand in the rain. Being in or paying attention to a raw, natural setting forces us to connect intimately with our environment. This connection reminds us that we are a part of nature which can help us feel less lonely.
- Seek out new opportunities for connection.
- Join a QMUNITY Peer Support Group
QMUNITY Peer Groups to Join in 2022
QMUNITY has 12 facilitated monthly peer groups for those who want to meet others in the community, share thoughts and interests, and provide one another with care and support. This is a great and easy way to connect with others in a safe environment and meet new people.
Available Programs & Services at QMUNITY
QMUNITY Voices
Hear from members of the community on their experience with self-care, mental health, and more useful tips and resources for finding support and care.
If you are interested in adding your voice, please don’t hesitate to send an e-mail to engagement@qmunity.ca with your idea and/or contribution.
Useful Links & Resources
- Foundry BC: foundrybc.ca/
- Mind Map BC: mindmapbc.ca/
- Suicide Helpline: 1-800-784-2433 (24 hrs/day)
- Crisis Services Canada:crisisservicescanada.ca/en/
- Call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 This hotline provides suicide prevention and support resources 24 hours a day and text services are available from 4pm to 12am EST
- Trans Lifeline:translifeline.org/
- Canada (877) 330-6366 US (877) 565-8860 Starting Aug 1: Hours: 5pm ET / 2pm PT – 1am ET / 10pm PT, 7 days a week. (a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.)
- Kuu-Us Crisis Line Society:kuu-uscrisisline.com/
- 1-866-925-4419 Provides crisis services for Indigenous people across BC. Adults/Elders line 250-723-4050 Youth line 250-723-2040 Or call toll free 1-800-588-8717