OSTC Blog

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OSTC Blog *

Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Reclaiming Rest: The Crucial Role of Tending to Yourself in LGBTQ+ Mental Health

As much as I love what I do, the people I work with, and the creative endeavors it provides me – it’s time to take a break and get some rest. Today I want to delve into a topic that is often overlooked and over-commercialized as “mani-pedi self-care” but is incredibly vital to our well-being: the importance of tending to yourself through rest and restoration.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Finding The Balance Between Dedication to Your Art and Needing Rest

Hello to our fellow artists and LGBTQ+ community leaders! Today, let's dive into the delicate dance of finding balance between dedication to our craft and the need for rest and self-care. As a therapist who works closely with creatives and individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the unique challenges and pressures that come with juggling passion and well-being.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

What are mood stabilizers?

Hey there, folx! Today, let's dive into the world of mood stabilizers –those unsung heroes in the realm of mental health. As a therapist, I often find myself navigating the intricacies of these medications with my clients, and I'm here to shed some light on what mood stabilizers are from a therapist's perspective.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Building Trust as a Creative Leader

As an LGBTQ+ therapist and a believer in the power of creative expression, let's dive into the wonderful world of building emotional safety in the workplace, especially for those of us in the LGBTQ+ community.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Recovery from Religious Trauma

Individuals may have experienced trauma from being coerced into strict religious doctrines, facing judgment for personal beliefs or identity, or enduring emotional manipulation and control within religious communities. Acknowledging the adverse effects of these experiences, such as anxiety around religious practices, fear of divine punishment, or feelings of unworthiness, is crucial in beginning the healing process.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

How to Actually “Feel Your Feelings”!

Understanding and acknowledging our emotions is crucial for our mental well-being,

yet many struggle with truly experiencing and processing their feelings. Learning how to genuinely feel our emotions, rather than suppressing or ignoring them, is a vital step toward emotional health and self-awareness.

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The Queer Experience & Mental Health

Our LGBTQ+ lives encompass a wide array of identities, challenges, and triumphs. These experiences can contribute to minority stress, a term used to describe the additional stress faced by marginalized groups due to societal prejudices, impacting mental health.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Ambiguous Grief, Growth, & Queer Community

Ambiguous grief, or as I like to call it, the "Where'd You Go?" of emotions, is like trying to find a missing sock in the laundry—it leaves you scratching your head, wondering where it disappeared to. Unlike the classic stages of grief, ambiguous grief is a bit like that elusive Wi-Fi signal in a crowded coffee shop—constantly fluctuating and leaving you uncertain about its strength.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

What to do When You Don’t Feel Motivated

Experiencing a lack of motivation is a common struggle for many, and it's essential to address this issue from a mental health perspective. When motivation dwindles, it can impact various aspects of life, from work and relationships to personal goals and overall well-being.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

What Exactly are SSRI’s?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of medications primarily used in treating various mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety disorders. These medications work by targeting the brain's neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin, a chemical messenger that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Understanding Stalking

Understanding stalking is crucial in recognizing and addressing behaviors that can lead to serious emotional distress and harm. Stalking is a pattern of unwanted and repeated attention, harassment, contact, or any other behavior that instills fear or concern in an individual.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Decolonize Your Health

Let's chat about this cool thing called decolonizing healthcare. It's not just a fancy term – it's about making mental health spaces more relatable, inclusive, and spicy for all of us, especially those in the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.

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What is Asexuality?

Asexuality isn't about being the blank canvas in a room of vibrant artwork; it's a legitimate and diverse orientation that highlights the incredible spectrum of human sexuality. In this post we’ll explore Asexuality.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

What is Neurodivergence?

Understanding neurodivergence isn't like cracking a secret code—

it's more like embracing a diverse universe of brainpower, where each mind has its unique flair. For LGBTQ+ individuals, navigating neurodivergence might be akin to trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in zero gravity—full of twists, turns, and unique perspectives.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Happy Non-Binary People's Day! July 2023 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

Wishing you all a lovely summer so far…. For me, Summertime means the midpoint of the year and I think about what it all has looked like. The first half of the year has felt like a doozy and passed by wayyyy too fast for me! There have been moments of transition, which seemed so liberating and also dark at times. Through the different experiences I came across this year, one that significantly stands out is exploring more of my gender and identity. Coming from a family that is homophobic and also “supportive” but not in action, I often found myself fitting into their ideas and what they saw as “acceptable.”

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

How To Take Care of Your Mental Health When Your Identity is Deemed Unprofessional

Navigating the professional landscape when your identity is deemed "unprofessional” can feel like treading a tightrope, balancing authenticity with societal expectations. For individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, facing prejudice or discrimination that labels their identity as unprofessional can be a distressing and emotionally taxing experience.

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