Mental health group creates positive affirmations for Pride

“You’re all that and dim sum.” “Life is tough but so are you.” “Everything will bee alright.”

These are just a few examples of phrases on positive affirmation cards prepared by volunteers at the Mental Health Association of Central Florida’s pride prep night.

Yasmin Flasterstein, program director for Orlando United Counseling, said the cards are part of an effort to spread the word about mental health resources available to the community.

“If you go and tell someone, 'Here's a mental health resource,' they're not going to grab it,” Flasterstein said. “But they will grab a positive affirmation.”

Volunteers will be handing out the hand-drawn notes during Orlando Come Out With Pride at Lake Eola this Saturday. They’ll be offering free hugs and showcasing a community-collaborative painting.

In addition, the organization will be fundraising to support those facing trauma in the aftermath of the Pulse shooting.

Robert Hermida has been volunteering with the Mental Health Association for two years. He said the organization

has helped him overcome personal struggles.

“With the Pulse shooting, there was a rise of substance abuse and different coping mechanisms,” Hermida says. “When I come here to Mental Health Association, I always find a roomful of people of strength.”

Flasterstein said because rates of suicide are higher for LGBTQ individuals, it’s especially important to let people within that community know they matter.

“If you look at suicide rates of people who are a part of the LGBTQ community, the rates are really high

– a lot higher than in the general public," Flasterstein said. “I think that making affirmations and passing out something simple that says, 'I don't know you, but I love you,' can come a really far way.”

Orlando Come Out With Pride festival happens this Saturday, Oct. 13, at Lake Eola Park. Events start at noon, with the parade at 4 p.m. and a pride rally at 6 p.m. More information can be found here.

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