Are you one of many individuals who wish there didn't have to be labels for one's sexual orientation? Maybe you wish that people could just not even worry about those personal parts of an individual's life. It's all about Be nice. Be Accepting. Be non-judgmental, right? Or, to put it more bluntly, Just mind your own business, please!

When did you discover for sure that you weren't attracted to members of the opposite sex? Did you fight those inclinations for a very long time, knowing that you would be ostracized, maybe even by your own family who was supposed to love you, no matter what? Finally, maybe you knew that you couldn't live a happy life unless you came out. Or, maybe you are still living a secret.

Do you think you need help? From seeking out a trusted friend or family member to talk to to arranging for LGBT Affirming Therapy, here are some ideas that might help you.

Seek Out A Trusted Friend Or Family Member - Think of the individual who has always been there for you in other ways. For example, when you were a kid, was it your favorite uncle who went to bat for you when you wanted to stay out late for a special event? Or, if your next door neighbor seemed like a second parent to you while you were growing up, maybe he or she is the one you could turn to.

No matter who you select to talk to about your sexual orientation, ask that individual to hear you out before making any judgments. In reality, he or she might already suspect, or even know, what you are about to disclose. Could that person be a go-between and talk to your family about what you are going through now? And, if not, could you accept that person as a surrogate parent or a surrogate sibling? 

Arrange For LGBT Affirming Therapy Services - Maybe you aren't comfortable talking to friends or family members, but you know that you need professional help because you are depressed. If that's the case, consider finding a therapist that has training and experience with issues that deal with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender lifestyles and the problems that sometimes, maybe even often, accompany that lifestyle.

The LGBT therapist may be having some of those issues himself or herself, so expect the counselor to totally understand why you are going through your depression. Don't be surprised, however, if your counselor is straight. That doesn't mean that he or she won't have the empathy and the dedication to help you overcome your depression.

Be totally frank with the counselor. Don't be embarrassed or guilt-laden when you speak of the feelings you have. For example, if your lover has left you for somebody else, be sure to share that with the counselor. If your main issue is dealing with the sadness of being left out of your family circle, the counselor will help you with that, too. For more information, reach out to LGBT affirming therapy services in your area.