Today, I’d like to introduce you to guest blogger Jay Woods, LMSW.

Jay (they/them) is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Supervisee in Social Work, practicing psychotherapy in Virginia under clinical supervision. Jay specializes in working with adults and adolescents, offering compassionate, trauma-informed therapy to help clients deepen their self-understanding, navigate major life transitions, and create meaningful change. Jay provides individual therapy both virtually and in person and can be reached at Jay@harmonypsychotherapyllc.com. 

Here’s what Jay has to say about self-care. If this message strikes a chord for you, Jay would be pleased to speak with you about your needs.

In these challenging times, the importance of self-care and mental health is especially critical for the queer community. Our lives are filled with layers of experiences that shape how we feel—both emotionally and physically. When stress hits, it’s not just in our minds; our bodies bear witness. There’s a subtle, persistent tension—a tightening in the chest or shallow breath—that reminds us of past hurts and the unique pressures we face. Recognizing these signals is the first step toward reclaiming our sense of well-being.

For many of us, the journey toward self-care is intertwined with the need to honor our experiences of feeling othered or misunderstood. Early on, many queer individuals learn to navigate a world that often expects us to hide parts of ourselves, leading to a disconnect between who we are and how we experience our bodies. When we tune into our physical sensations, we find a map of our inner world—one that can guide us toward practices that soothe and heal. Whether it’s a few moments of deep breathing, a short walk, or simply taking time to adjust our posture, these small acts can create meaningful shifts in our state of being.

At the same time, reflecting on our past—our struggles with acceptance, the moments of isolation, the times when our voices were silenced—can be a powerful tool. When we acknowledge those memories, we create space to rewrite the narrative of our lives. Self-care means more than just managing stress; it means affirming our worth and our identity, even when the world seems determined to marginalize us.

This journey isn’t about quick fixes but about building resilience and learning to trust our own inner wisdom. By integrating mindfulness practices with a compassionate understanding of our personal histories, we can cultivate a mental and emotional space where we not only survive but thrive. The path may be challenging, but by honoring both our body and our story, we empower ourselves to live with authenticity and resilience.