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https://www.crisistextline.org/texting-in

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An online based non-profit founded to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth worldwide.

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The It Gets Better Project exists to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe.

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A scholarship fund that provides financial aid for LGBTQ college aspiring individuals in the U.S.

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Point Foundation | LGBTQ College Scholarships

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Point Foundation supports hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and queer students to access and succeed in higher ed.

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A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of LGBTQ communities, as well as people living with HIV/AIDS.

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Lambda Legal's lawyers have won precedent-setting civil rights cases on everything from marriage equality to expressions of gender identity to health care discrimination. We have made legal history since day one, winning our right to incorporate. We then got to work using our knowledge of the law to fight for our community's lives and dignity.

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Lambda Legal's lawyers have won precedent-setting civil rights cases on everything from marriage equality to expressions of gender identity to health care discrimination. We have made legal history since day one, winning our right to incorporate. We then got to work using our knowledge of the law to fight for our community's lives and dignity.

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A treasure trove of inclusive, comprehensive, positive sexuality and relationship information for teens.

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Resource Directory from the International OCD Foundation

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Resource Directory from the International OCD Foundation

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https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/find-help/

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This organization provides a number of resources, including a downloadable toolkit.
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may

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Website hosted by NAMI (see below) and is a safe space for teens and young adults to talk and connect with others who are facing similar struggles with their mental health.
https://ok2talk.org/about

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Teens and Young Adults Resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

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Teens and Young Adults Resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

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https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Teens-and-Young-Adults

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1. See the complete booklist of YA books that cover mental health
2. See the complete booklist of YA books that cover the LGBTQIA+ spectrum

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YAs That Get It Right:
Depression
Anxiety
Mental health
LGBTQIA+
The teen experience
The teen experience, part 2

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NYT: Using YA Novels to Help Make Sense of #MeToo

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NYT: Using YA Novels to Help Make Sense of #MeToo

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https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/12/books/me-too-young-adult-fiction.html?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WUIYA%20100418&utm_term=BookRiot_WhatsUpInYA_DormantSuppress

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Here’s the Best Way to Start a Conversation with Young People About Sex and Consent

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Here’s the Best Way to Start a Conversation with Young People About Sex and Consent

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http://time.com/5402048/sex-consent-college-students-ya-novels/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WUIYA%20100418&utm_term=BookRiot_WhatsUpInYA_DormantSuppress

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When Talking About Sexual Consent, YA Books Can Be A Parent's Best Friend

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When Talking About Sexual Consent, YA Books Can Be A Parent's Best Friend

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https://www.npr.org/2016/04/01/472584700/when-it-comes-to-talking-sex-young-adult-books-can-be-a-parents-best-friend

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Your Official Guide to All the Backlash Surrounding 13 Reasons Why

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Your Official Guide to All the Backlash Surrounding 13 Reasons Why

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https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/a20675573/13-reasons-why-criticism-problems/?_branch_match_id=493164682359961230

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn_5GhTJXWOTVPbiFzksEDA

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Sex and Relationships from YouTube Hannah Witton

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Sex and Relationships from YouTube Hannah Witton

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6iWKC08iw9K-R6Wh5pbZNQ

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https://www.youtube.com/user/sexplanations/videos

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A webcomic that expertly explores many topics around sexuality.
https://www.ohjoysextoy.com/

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For teens, by teens (with some help from adult editors who know their stuff)
https://sexetc.org/

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https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens

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http://www.scarleteen.com/

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If You Identify as Bi+, This Website Has LOTS of Helpful Info

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If You Identify as Bi+, This Website Has LOTS of Helpful Info

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Make sure you explore their entire site!

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Welcome!

If you are a young person under the age of 25 who identifies as bi+ (e.g. bisexual, pansexual, queer, fluid, etc.), these pages are especially for you!

As more and more individuals have come to recognize the limitations of rigid classifications, sexual orientation labels have become less fixed and permanent. People are increasingly open to experiencing a wide range of attractions that cross lines, and therefore there's much more room for creativity in labels and experience.

With bisexuals comprising more than half of the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community, it's no surprise that the bi+ community is diverse in how its members identify! While some use one term or label to describe their physical, sexual, emotional, and romantic attractions, others use more than one to do so (e.g. bi-queer, panromantic asexual). Others may choose an open-ended option, or no label at all. Some will switch between a "personal label" and a "political label". These pages are for all of you (and, of course, your loved ones)!

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If you are a young person under the age of 25 who identifies as bi+ (e.g. bisexual, pansexual, queer, fluid, etc.), these pages are especially for you! As more and more individuals have come to recognize the limitations of rigid classifications, sexual orientation labels have become less fixed and permanent.

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Whether you identify as male, female, or nonbinary, this is a helpful resource for you.

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Do you often wonder what the big deal with sex is?

Have you never really liked anyone "in that way"?

Do you never (or very rarely) think people are "hot" or "sexy"?

Do you ever pretend to find someone attractive in order to fit in?

Is sex boring for you?

Have you had relationship after relationship fall apart because you simply weren't interested in sex?

Have you tried things to "spice it up", but never found anything that worked?

Does it seem like people are speaking a foreign language when they talk about sex?

Have you ever wondered what's supposed to be so difficult about abstinence or celibacy?

Do sex scenes in movies or books often seem forced, out of place, or completely unnecessary?

Have you ever thought that you had to be straight "by default", because even though you're not all that interested in people of a different gender, you're certain you're not interested in people of your gender?

Have you not had sex for months or years, possibly never at all, and it doesn't bother you one bit?

Do you ever feel like you just don't "get" sex?

If you answered "yes" to some or all of these questions, you might be asexual.

If you're wondering if you could be asexual (or possibly gray-asexual or demisexual), then the content of these pages may be useful. They're designed to help you explore and discover, to answer some of your questions and guide you to ask others. I can't tell you whether or not you're asexual, but hopefully these pages can lead you to find the answers you're looking for.

An introduction to discovering asexuality, geared toward a teenage boy.

An introduction to discovering asexuality, geared toward a teenage girl.

An introduction to discovering asexuality, geared toward teenagers.

An introduction to discovering asexuality, geared toward men.

An introduction to discovering asexuality, geared toward women.

An introduction to discovering asexuality.

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Ask Yourself... Do you often wonder what the big deal with sex is? Have you never really liked anyone "in that way"? Do you never (or very rarely) think people are "hot" or "sexy"? Do you ever pretend to find someone attractive in order to fit in? Is sex boring for you?

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Resources for Transgender Youth - Trans Youth Equality Foundation

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Fun and helpful resources, guides, stories, and more for transgender and non-binary youth to help you in your gender transition. This page is for youth, by youth.

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A Parent's Guide to Supporting Transgender Youth

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A Parent's Guide to Supporting Transgender Youth

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This is written for adults/parents, but if you're questioning, it has good "introductory" information like definitions and how-tos. You can then try googling those terms.

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, Program Director, Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery at Mount Sinai, Assistant Professor of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Matthew Oransky, PhD, Director, Psychology Training Program, Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Growing up transgender without strong parental support can be difficult, even life-threatening. Compared with their peers, transgender youth suffer higher rates of depression, suicide, substance abuse and homelessness. Keep in mind that being transgender is not something parents can cause, or change. But parents can play a major role in keeping their transgender children healthy and safe. And the newest research shows that family acceptance significantly protects them against such risks into adulthood.

The Transgender Experience

Most transgender people are diagnosed with "gender dysphoria," the distress that comes from the mismatch between their true gender and their sex assigned at birth. The amount of distress varies a lot from person to person and can also vary over the course of a person's lifetime. However, we do know that transitioning can make this stress go away.

Embracing a child's true gender identity involves helping them transition both socially and medically. Each transgender person's journey is unique and can pose different issues at different ages.

Social transition may include changing one's mode of dress and hairstyle, choosing a new name, and using the correct pronouns. These social changes are reversible and might be all a child needs to thrive.

A recent study found that on average, transgender youth recognized their gender incongruity when they were eight years old. And if parents ignore these concerns, they risk their kids feeling isolated or rejected, which can lead to a cascade of more serious problems. Here are some ways to show support:

· Seek professional advice if your child is showing signs of distress, to guide your family through this complicated process. An occasional check-in may suffice, or the provider may recommend returning when the child reaches a certain age.

· When young children, around age five, are gender-nonconforming, just let them be who they are. Allow them to dress and act as they prefer so they feel validated and supported.

· Don't force labels or interpretations on your child. For instance, don't tell a child she is just a "tomboy" or ask them if they are transgender. Let them define themselves.

· Help your child find a supportive community of other gender-nonconforming kids.

· If your child wants to make a transition in how they dress and are addressed, help them decide where they want to take this step-just with family and friends or also at school, religious institutions, and community programs.

· Work with these people and organizations to ensure they use the correct name and pronouns, allow your child to dress accordingly, and, in general, treat them appropriately for their gender identity.

· Balance validating your child with keeping him or her safe. In some communities, a young person or the whole family could be ridiculed or rejected. Contact the elementary school principal, high school guidance counselor, dean, or a supportive teacher to get a read on the school culture, and to determine how the school will react and what they can do to support your child's transition.

· Be aware of local policies. The New York City Department of Education, for example, allows transgender students to use the pronouns they identify with, and their preferred bathroom. Sometimes, legal help may be needed to confront schools or other systems that are not respecting a child's gender.

· By middle school, kids are sorting themselves by gender, and there is more to handle socially. Stay aware of any bullying that needs to be addressed.

· Understand that, at times, the child may experience a parent's attempt to protect them as a sign of rejection. Worried about the child's physical safety, you might ask, "Are you sure you want to wear that dress to your after-school program?" But the child may experience this comment as, "I don't approve."

· Around age 14, dating and sexuality become factors. Be aware this is something your child may be negotiating.

· When the family is ready, supporting a child's social transition might include helping them legally change their name, an act that is often ceremonial and meaningful for a young transgender person.

Puberty. Watch for the onset of puberty starting around age 10. When a child's body changes in the wrong way, it can be unpleasant, even traumatic. One female-to-male transgender boy described getting their period as like "nature punching me in the face every month." Even a little breast growth in a transgender 12-year-old boy may spark intense feelings of dysphoria. As clinicians, we often see intense distress, anxiety, depression, and even suicide attempts associated with the onset of puberty.

Puberty Blockers. Parents should consider hormone-blocking agents to prevent typical puberty or stop its progression as soon as possible. This will allow the child to later go through puberty only once-in the correct gender. Cross-gender hormone therapy usually isn't employed until a few years later, but puberty blockers can be started between ages 10 and 12.

Puberty blockers can buy time while deciding on cross-gender hormone therapy. They have no permanent effect, so they can be stopped at any point if the child decides not to transition, and anatomical puberty will then occur.

Halting regular puberty also eases the transition if transgender youth later go on cross-gender hormones. For example, someone going through natural male puberty before starting cross-gender hormones will acquire many male characteristics, like an Adam's apple, body hair, and wide shoulders, which cannot easily be reversed later.

Cross-Gender Hormones. It is standard to start kids on cross-gender hormones at age 16, though some experts initiate therapy as early as 14, and others advocate starting even younger. The idea is to keep the child's development in pace with their peers.

Have a medical provider who is well versed in caring for transgender children lined up in advance to start cross-gender hormone therapy when your family decides the time is right. Your nearest LGBT center can provide a list of transgender-friendly providers.

Surgery. The child may or may not decide to pursue surgery. The important thing is to support children and young adults in making their own decisions. Most kids wait until age 18 to 21 to start procedures. Support at that stage may involve helping them figure out what kind of surgery they want and looking into insurance coverage. A surgeon can be found through a local LGBT center or online, where there is plenty of information about different surgeons, including reviews and which age groups they work with.

Understand that living with gender dysphoria can be harder than living as a transgender person. When children explain how gender dysphoria feels, parents see the pain they are suffering and may become more accepting. That said, if you are struggling with understanding and accepting your child's transgender journey:

· Don't make them explain it repeatedly, or look for evidence that falsifies their story. They can sense your disapproval and conflict.

· Educate yourself about gender dysphoria by seeking out LGBT groups, talking with other families dealing with similar issues, or consulting online resources, like the Human Rights Campaign or the Trans Youth Equality Foundation.

· Seek help from someone other than your child, like a caregiver support group or mental health professional.

Parental support for transgender youth is paramount, and a lack of support can have devastating consequences. Listen to your kids-they know what feels right and true to them.

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A Parent's Guide to Supporting Transgender Youth

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Program Director, Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery at Mount Sinai, Assistant Professor of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Matthew Oransky, PhD, Director, Psychology Training Program, Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Growing up transgender without strong parental support can be difficult, even life-threatening.

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Chest binding is a way for many trans men to curb dysphoria, and is a fairly common step in FTM transition. "Binding" refers to flattening breast tissue to create a male-appearing chest using a variety of materials and methods. While binding with common household items is an inexpensive route, it can also be unsafe. Chest Binding 101 is your guide to how to bind safely, where to get a chest binder, how to choose a binder that best suits you, and how to put on your binder.

How to Chest Bind Safely

The first step in learning how to bind safely is finding about what's not safe to do. Don't use Ace bandages or duct tape -they aren't meant for binding, don't move with your body, and can cause physical harm. They can seriously restrict breathing, cause fluid build-up in your lungs and other serious injuries, such as broken ribs. There have been numerous cases of trans men who've acquired permanent scars and other injuries from using Ace bandages or duct tape to bind. Don't do it.

Can chest binding affect my ability to have FTM Top Surgery? "Generally speaking, no. Binding over a long period of time can alter your skin's natural elasticity, which may have some minor affects on your final cosmetic results." - Dr. Scott Mosser

Even with the right binder product it's still possible to bind unsafely. Despite what you may have been told, don't buy a binder that's too small for you. Wearing an ill-fitting binder puts you at risk of the same problems as those who bind with Ace bandages or duct tape. Another piece of bad advice floating around out there is to wear tape and/or another binder on top of your binder. This too can cause restricted breathing and physical injury.

Lastly, give your body a break: don't bind 24/7. In fact, don't bind for more than 8-12 hours at a time. Suppressing dysphoria can't come at the expense of your health. Even high quality binders can cause bruising. Use the times that you're not binding to wash and air dry your binder, which will help make it last longer.

Where to Get a Chest Binder

A proper chest binder should minimize pain, discomfort, sweating, and irritation. There are several places online where you can buy chest binders specifically designed for trans men:

Underworks binders are among the most popular with transgender men because of their effectiveness and affordability. Underworks is trans-friendly and has a reputation for excellent customer service. Stick to the binders that have "extreme" in the name or description as a binder without this label may not give you the compression you hoped for unless you have a very small chest already. Prices range from $25-45 USD.

gc2b Transitional Apparel provides high quality FTM chest binders at an affordable price, $33-35. In addition to white, black and grey, as well as red, blue and green, gc2b also offers binders in five "All Nude" colors.

Design Veronique has been designing high quality compression garments since 1986 and is the choice of several US-based surgeons. However, higher prices in the $100-180 USD range, and a lack of information about if these products are durable enough for long term use call into question their suitability for daily chest binding.
Vendors Outside the USA:
Double Design, formerly Double T Collection, is a trans owned and operated company dedicated to the FTM community. Based in Taiwan, they have several binders to choose from priced at $55-75 USD.

XBODY, based in the UK, is Europe's top online seller of high quality compression T-shirts, vests and sportswear, designed for men with gynecomastia. £45-49, free shipping over £75.

T-Kingdom is also based in Taiwan and sells binders designed for trans men and gender benders. They have a wide variety of styles, including vest binders with Velcro. Prices range from $30-65 USD. Note: T-Kingdom doesn't accept returns.

Love Boat Shop is another online store based in Taiwan. They feature a large selection of binder styles and colors made by Double T Collection, Esha and Juya, with prices ranging from $21-$100 USD.

Danaë is a trans guy owned and operated company from the Netherlands, offering European guys the chance to save on shipping. Prices range from €49-52, and they allow returns after an email notification and within seven days of your receiving your binder.

Peecock offers selection of FTM binders that come in different styles. $25-38.
Quick Comparison Chart
Depending on where you live, you might also find chest binders in stock at your favorite local sex positive merchant.

Used Binders

If you can't afford a binder, don't despair! Used binders are often passed on by post-op trans men or those whose binders may no longer fit. There are a few programs available that help distribute donated second-hand binders:
USA Canada
Trans Clothing Exchanges are another place where you can often find inexpensive binders. You can also try asking around for a hand-me-down binder on one of the mailing lists for trans guys or check out LiveJournal's FTM Garage Sale and the FtM Sales, Swap, and Support group on Facebook.

How to Choose a Chest Binder

If you still remember your old bra size, you can find out your binder size by using the Bra to Chest Size Converter Tool. If you don't know your old bra size, you can measure yourself the old-fashioned way:

1. Take a snug measurement of the fullest part of your chest using a tape measure (best if measured while clothed) and write that number down onto a sheet of paper.

2. Measure underneath your chest where the crease is and write that number down as well.

3. Add those numbers together and divide the sum by 2. This number will differentiate your size not only from brand to brand but from binder to binder as well.

Selecting a binder brand and style can be difficult: there are so many options that it can be overwhelming! Plus, there aren't very many reviews of binders other than those about Underworks' and T-Kingdom's more popular models. After buying your binder, help make the experience easier for guys in the future by contributing your review to one of the review sites listed below.

Essentially, there are two types of binders: short ones and long ones. The short ones end right at your waist. The down side of these is that if you carry some extra weight, short binders tend to roll up and act more like a bra. The long ones can be pulled down past your waist by several inches, however it's inevitable that it will still roll up. To reduce the chances of this, wear a belt. Choosing between a short and long binder has more to do with your body type, specifically your abdomen, and not your chest size.

Lastly, consider the location of the company you're buying from. Buying from a company that's closer to you can save you a significant amount of money on shipping costs.

How to Put On a Chest Binder

It might seem silly, but you're probably going to need some help figuring out how to put on your new binder, particularly if you purchased one of the longer styles.

1. Put your binder inside out and upside down.

2. Step into your binder and pull the bottom of it up, ideally to your belt line. The binder should still be inside out and upside down.

3. Use the sleeves as handles to pull the top of the binder (the end closer to your feet) up to your shoulders.

4. Put your arms through the sleeve holes and adjust your chest to your needs. You may need to pull the bottom of the binder out from underneath itself if you don't want it folded under. For others, leaving it folded under may help stop the binder from rolling up.

Don't be disappointed if you look in the mirror and it looks like you have one big boob in the middle of your chest. You just need to adjust your chest. Reach in from the neck hole and push your chesticles down and out. You're basically pushing your nipple toward your armpit to achieve the flattest looking chest possible.

FTM Chest Binding Tips

Very important: When binding, you should not by any means feel as though you can't breathe or like you're going to pass out from a lack of oxygen.

Binders aren't the most comfortable things in the world. To make binding more comfortable, and to reduce the possibility of the binder moving around a bit, some guys wear a light shirt underneath.

Depending on the size of your chest, you may need to layer clothing on top of the binder to get optimal chest flattening. You'll find that some of the shirts in your closet require you to layer more than shirts in your wardrobe.

You can swim in your binder. Just wear a sleeveless or sleeved T-shirt over it. Don't worry if your binder seems less effective after a swim, this isn't permanent. Simply wash it and it will go back to normal.

Your chest will look bigger than it really is when you look down at it. Check in the mirror for a more accurate side view.

Not all binders breathe well, and the reality is that you're probably going to get hot. If you've already started testosterone, you're definitely going to sweat. The build up of sweat can irritate your skin causing rashes and sores. Wearing a thin cotton shirt that breathes well underneath your binder may help prevent this. If you find this uncomfortable, try applying corn starch to your body before putting on your binder to help keep it from holding in moisture. If you've already experienced skin irritation of some sort, take care of it the same way you would an open wound. Washing the irritated area with anti-bacterial soap will keep it clean and help it heal faster.

Conclusion

Chest binding, as cumbersome as it may seem, can be very freeing for transgender men. There's a plethora of quality FTM chest binding products available for body types of all shapes and sizes. Regardless of what you use for binding, please remember to put your health first. Now that you're armed with all the information you need to find the right binder for you, go forth and feel more comfortable in your skin!

FTM Chest Binder Reviews

(Note: These sites are no longer updated.)

More FTM Chest Binding Resources
Do you have any tips about binding? Want to share your experience with a particular binder brand or model? Do you know of other binder manufacturers, particularly those outside of Asia and the US? Please leave your comments below.
Last updated: 12/04/20

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Chest Binding 101 - FTM Binder Guide | FTM Binding, Chest Binder, Breast Binders

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Chest binding is a way for many trans men to curb dysphoria, and is a fairly common step in FTM transition. "Binding" refers to flattening breast tissue to create a male-appearing chest using a variety of materials and methods. While binding with common household items is an inexpensive route, it can also be unsafe.

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A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

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A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

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Depression
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Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

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Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

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Bullying
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Rape
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Memoir of a trans (AMAB (a male at birth)) individual
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LGBTQIA+ spectrum
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Paranoia / delusions
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# data[].attributes.body
Bullying
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Dating abuse
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Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney C. Stevens

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Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney C. Stevens

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Questioning sexuality
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Body image
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Bullying
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Gender noncomformity
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Lesbianism
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# data[].attributes.body
Transgender
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# data[].attributes.body
LGBTQIA+ spectrum
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# data[].attributes.body
Depression
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Eating disorders
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Abuse at home
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Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

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Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

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Suicide + depression
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Bisexuality
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# data[].attributes.body
Suicide + abuse at home + grief + depression
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Drug and alcohol abuse
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PTSD
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Rape
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# data[].attributes.body
Bullying
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# data[].attributes.headline
The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

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The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

# data[].attributes.body
PTSD
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Consent
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# data[].attributes.headline
the princess saves herself in this one by amanda lovelace

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the princess saves herself in this one by amanda lovelace

# data[].attributes.body
Depression
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# data[].attributes.body
Rape
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# data[].attributes.body
Suicide
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# data[].attributes.body
LGBTQIA+ spectrum
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# data[].attributes.body
Depression
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# data[].attributes.headline
This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

# data[].attributes.subject
This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

# data[].attributes.body
Eating Disorders
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# data[].attributes.body
Death and grief
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# data[].attributes.body
OCD
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# data[].attributes.body
Grief + LGBTQIA+ spectrum
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# data[].attributes.body
Anorexia
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# data[].attributes.headline
Therapy, Medication, and Lifestyle Changes That Can Treat Depression

# data[].attributes.subject
Therapy, Medication, and Lifestyle Changes That Can Treat Depression

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https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-treatment.htm

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https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/treatments-for-depression

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https://www.erikaslighthouse.org/teen-depression-test

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5 Signs Your Depression Treatment Isn't Working

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5 Signs Your Depression Treatment Isn't Working

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Treating depression isn't a one-size-fits-all prescription. You may be treating your depression with antidepressant medication or talk therapy, called psychotherapy, or both. Finding the right treatment for you takes time. And, you might have to try a few different treatments to find the best fit. In fact, only about half of those with major depression respond to their first treatment.

What can you do? Learn the signs that your treatment isn't working. If you experience any of these signs, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Together, you can find the treatment that works best for you.

Antidepressants take time to work. Just three of every five people get complete relief from the first medication they try. Doctors call antidepressant treatment that hasn't worked within six weeks treatment-resistant depression. If you have this, you may need to switch to another antidepressant or take an additional medication.

It's important to let your doctor know if you're not feeling better. It's also important to not stop taking your current antidepressant on your own. Discontinuing antidepressants abruptly can cause an uncomfortable withdrawal reaction. Withdrawal symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea and anxiety.

If your doctor diagnosed you with a mild or moderate form of depression, you may be using psychotherapy (talk therapy) only.

Psychotherapy takes time to work. But if you are not feeling better after a certain amount of sessions, you may have a more severe type of depression. Not feeling better could include having symptoms that interfere with your ability to sleep, eat, work and enjoy life. Studies show that an antidepressant plus psychotherapy works better than psychotherapy alone for severe depression.

Even if your antidepressant is working well to manage your depression, the side effects might be too much to handle. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sleepiness, weight gain and sexual problems.

Many side effects decrease over time. But if side effects continue to be a problem, let your doctor know. There are medications that can control side effects. Or, you may need to switch to a different antidepressant. Whatever you do, though, don't stop taking your medication on your own. Talk to your doctor.

Different types of depression have different symptoms and need different treatment. For instance, psychotic depression causes you to have false beliefs or to see, feel or hear things that aren't real. This type of depression often needs more aggressive treatment than antidepressants alone.

Many people have a mix of depression and anxiety. The two conditions are not the same. Anxiety may require different treatment.

Other disorders that can exist along with depression include substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, heart disease, and cancer. When these conditions are successfully treated, your depression treatment will likely work better.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition often confused with depression. Someone with bipolar disorder has alternating periods of depression and mania. Mania is a mental state of high mood and excitement.

If you're being treated for depression and start to feel high and excitable, you may have bipolar disorder, not depression. People with bipolar disorder who take an antidepressant often cycle into a period of mania. Bipolar disorder needs a different treatment.

Depression treatment takes time, and often the first attempt at treatment doesn't work well enough.

You may need to change or add treatments as you go through therapy.

If you see signs that you're not getting better or still have symptoms, tell your doctor. However, never stop treatment on your own.

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5 Signs Your Depression Treatment Isn't Working

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Treating depression isn't a one-size-fits-all prescription. You may be treating your depression with antidepressant medication or talk therapy, called psychotherapy, or both. Finding the right treatment for you takes time. And, you might have to try a few different treatments to find the best fit.

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https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/helping-someone-with-an-eating-disorder.htm

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https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa.htm

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Get Help at ANAD | ANAD - National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders

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Get free help for eating disorders online with our Helpline, Treatment Directory, Support Groups, or Peer Support Mentorship Program.

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https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa.htm

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Eating Disorder Treatment and Recovery - HelpGuide.org

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Are you struggling with an eating disorder? These treatment and recovery tips can help you overcome anorexia and bulimia and gain true self-confidence.

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How to Talk to a Loved One About an Eating Disorder

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How to Talk to a Loved One About an Eating Disorder

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What to do if you are being bullied?
From expert Rosalind Wiseman - Creating Cultures of Dignity

What to do if you are being bullied:

Many kids who are bullied feel embarrassed and helpless. Sometimes, they think the only thing they can do is hope the problem will go away. But there are things you can do to get some control in the situation and it starts with developing a strategy and a support system.

The moment it's happening:

* Breathe. Observe who is around. Breathe again.
* Ask yourself what the bully is doing that you want stopped and what you want them to do instead. I know this may sound obvious but take the time to do this and remind yourself that if you don't like what they're doing or saying to you, those you are your feelings and no one has the right to take your feelings away from you by saying you're weak, they're just messing with you, or they wouldn't care if you did the same thing to them.
* If you can, find the courage in that moment to state what you want. For example, "Stop pushing me into the lockers and saying, "it was an accident" and then laughing. I know you can do whatever you want, but I want you to stop." Or, "Stop sending texts to everyone in the grade about me."
* Get away by thinking about walking towards safety not away from the bully. For example, walk towards a classroom where you can see a teacher you trust. If you are in a park, walk towards a group of adults or a coach.
* Don't retaliate or threaten to retaliate. The only thing that happens when you do this is the problem gets bigger and more out of control.

If you are being bullied online:

Any time someone is bullied through social networking, a cell phone, or any type of social media, it can be really hard not to want to defend yourself by retaliating or finding out why this person is attacking you. Sleeping with your phone in your bedroom is never a good idea, but it's even worse when you're bullied online because it's too tempting to stay up all night trying to "fix" the situation-which isn't going to happen on-line. Same thing goes with a computer. Sleep is hard anyway when you know people are saying mean things about you, but it's impossible if you're checking Facebook, Twitter, and your texts all night. If you need a distraction, find a way to listen to music that calms you down (that's not on your phone) until you can fall asleep.

After the bullying has occurred:

Remember that reporting a bully is not snitching. People snitch when all they want to do is get the person in trouble. People report when they have a problem that is too big for them to solve on their own. People who report bullying are doing the right thing. And the reality is adults can't address the problem if they don't know about it.

That said, you have to be smart about who you tell because some adults are good at dealing with these kind of problem. What you need to find is your own personal ally. An ally is an adult that you trust to help you think through your problems. They give you courage and confidence to face your fears. An ally can be a parent or guardian, a teacher, a coach, a neighbor, a cousin or counselor. The Ally is the person you report the bullying too. Avoid describing the bullying in generalities like, "He is being mean." Be specific about the bullying behavior, where you are when it occurs, and what you need to feel safe.

If you are scared to go to school, show up for practice, or any other activity, tell your ally or the adult who is in charge. It is not your fault that you are being bullied, and you have the right to be in school and participate in after-school activities, just like everyone else. Seriously, no matter what people say about you, think about you, or have done to you, you deserve to be treated with dignity and have the right to go to school without people making you miserable.

What do you do if the bully is a friend?

It's always important to have strong friendships that you can depend on, but sometimes the bully can be a friend. If that happens ask yourself the following questions about your friendship.

* What are the three most important things I need in a friendship? (Most people say, trust, respect, and honesty)
* Are my friends treating me according to what I need in a friendship?
* If my friends aren't treating me according to my standards, why am I in this friendship? Is it worth it?
* If my friends were nice to me tomorrow, do I believe the bullying will stop or am I hoping for the best and putting all the power in their hands?

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What to do if you are being bullied? From expert Rosalind Wiseman - Creating Cultures of Dignity

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What to do if you are being bullied? From expert Rosalind Wiseman - Creating Cultures of Dignity What to do if you are being bullied: Many kids who are bullied feel embarrassed and helpless. Sometimes, they think the only thing they can do is hope the problem will go away.

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Don't Listen to the Nagging  Voice That Says "Don't Tell"

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Don't Listen to the Nagging  Voice That Says "Don't Tell"

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https://pacerteensagainstbullying.org/experiencing-bullying/reasons-teens-dont-tell/

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https://pacerteensagainstbullying.org/experiencing-bullying/

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https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/cyberbullying-tactics/index.html

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If You’re Asking, ‘Am I Gay? Lesbian? Bi? Trans? Queer?’ Here’s a Start

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If You’re Asking, ‘Am I Gay? Lesbian? Bi? Trans? Queer?’ Here’s a Start

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https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/17/smarter-living/gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender.html

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Plus who is at risk, effects of bullying, and more
https://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/warning-signs/index.html

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Tips to Help You Deal with Challenging Situations

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Tips to Help You Deal with Challenging Situations

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This is probably the best resource for self-help here!

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What consent looks like

Consent means communication every step of the way. Don't just assume your partner is comfortable with actions. It requires a clear and enthusiastic yes- meaning if someone seems unsure, stays silent, doesn't respond, or says "maybe," they aren't saying yes.

If you're caught up in the heat of the moment, here are some ways to get a temperature check before going any further:

Consent also means breaking away from preconceived notions of gender roles. There are no rules about who can initiate intimacy or who might want to take it fast or slow. The more comfortable you feel expressing your boundaries and desires, the more pleasurable your interactions together will be.

What consent does not look like

Behavior like dressing a certain way, flirting, or accepting a ride, gift, or drink is not a form of consent. Neither is saying yes (or not saying no) while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or doing so because you feel pressured or too afraid not to.

Remember that it's important to get consent every time, even if you've done something before or you're in a committed relationship. A person can decide to stop an activity at any time, even if they previously agreed to it.

Most importantly, everyone has a right to their own body and to feel comfortable in their intimate relationships.

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Consent means communication every step of the way. Don't just assume your partner is comfortable with actions. It requires a clear and enthusiastic yes- meaning if someone seems unsure, stays silent, doesn't respond, or says "maybe," they aren't saying yes.

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Consent is a Must Have

How Do You Know if Someone Wants to Have Sex with You? | Planned Parenthood Video

Virginity

Virginity means different things to different people. Here's what you need to know.

Need answers? Chat with us.

Between our sexual health educators or chat bot, we got you covered.
Chat now

Need answers? Chat with us.

Between our sexual health educators or chat bot, we got you covered.
Chat now

Ask us anything. Seriously.

Between our trained sexual health educators or chat bot, we can answer your questions about your sexual health whenever you have them. And they are free and confidential.

CHAT NOW

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Everything You Need to Know About Sex | Myths, Facts, Info

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How Do You Know if Someone Wants to Have Sex with You? | Planned Parenthood Video Virginity means different things to different people. Here's what you need to know. Between our sexual health educators or chat bot, we got you covered. Chat now Between our sexual health educators or chat bot, we got you covered.

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Plus info on gender identity and more

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Adolescence is a time to explore and embrace your sexuality. But what is sexuality? It's not such an easy answer, but to sum it up, it's the word we use to describe our sexual interests, attractions, preferences, and even our gender expression.

The 101 on Sexuality

Sexuality is about more than just sex. Your sexuality encompasses your body and your sexual and reproductive anatomy, your biological sex, your gender and gender identity, your sexual orientation, your sexual desires and preferences, your relationships and behaviors, and more!

Sexual orientation is an important part of your sexuality - your orientation describes what gender(s) you are attracted to. For example, if you identity as a heterosexual, you likely are attracted to people of the opposite gender. If you identify as gay or homosexual, you likely are attracted to people of your same gender. You may be attracted to people of multiple genders and identify as bisexual, pansexual, both, or none of the above. A person's sexual orientation can change and be fluid, so one label may not be accurate to describe your orientation. While your sexual orientation may change over your lifetime, research shows that your sexual orientation is based on biological factors - your genetics that are set in place before you are born. Sexual orientation is not a person's choice.

What is Gender Identity?

Everyone is born with a sex - sex is biological and is determined by the sexual and reproductive anatomy we are born with (i.e. males are born with a penis, women are born with a vagina). Gender is "socially constructed" meaning that culture and society have a big influence on how we think we should act as a girl or boy, man or woman etc.

Our gender identity is how we express our gender, whether it be how we act or dress. People who feel that their gender matches the sex they were assigned at birth are cisgender. People who do not feel that their gender matches the sex they were assigned at birth may identify as transgender. People who don't identify as a single gender may identify as genderqueer or gender nonconforming. Gender identity and sexual orientation are NOT the same thing. Transgender people may or may not be gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, or pansexual, just like cisgender people may or may not be gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, or pansexual.

If you are transgender or gender nonconforming, you have rights. There are laws in California to protect you from discrimination at school. Here are some resources to learn more about your rights and available resources:

Coming Out to My Peers

Coming out to your friends - whether you are coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender- can be complicated. Fears about whether or not they will accept you are very common.

Coming Out to Peers:

Coming out for the first time is a big deal. Ask yourself these questions before moving forward:

Do you feel unsafe around your peers and at school?

Do your peers and classmates frequently make violent and homophobic or transphobic comments? Do they ever make you feel unsafe?

Have they ever threatened you or expressed that they would not be accepting if you weren't heterosexual or cisgender?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, it's important to really consider whether coming out to your peers is a good decision right now. While it's important to be open and honest, your personal safety and security should come first. This doesn't mean that you can't ever come out to your peers right now, but it might be best to wait until you can better support yourself emotionally. Maybe it makes sense to first come out to a few trusted friends who you know will accept you embracing your sexuality. Ultimately, you need to trust your gut here. Check out this great resource for support and advice from LGBTQ youth.

Advice on Coming Out

Coming out to your peers is a big step, so it's okay to be nervous! Remember, this is big news for them too, so make sure you're adequately prepared for any reaction. Consider the following as you prepare to come out:

Make sure you're ready. Are you confident discussing your sexual and/or gender identity? Do you feel comfortable answering all of your peers questions and concerns that may come up? Be prepared to handle negative reactions, too. If you don't feel very secure, it might be a good idea to wait until you feel emotionally ready.

Practice what you are going to say. Saying the words out loud, even just to yourself, can help give you confidence before you talk with your peers.

Give them time to process the news after you tell them. Just because they don't accept your sexual or gender identity right off the bat doesn't mean they don't still love and support you.

Help them learn more about you by giving them resources and connecting them to organizations like Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Assure them that you're happy and confident with your decision, and let them know that you want their support.

If you need more support before coming out, ask a counselor or another young person who has come out to help you better prepare. Having someone who has gone through a similar experience can help you prepare and gain confidence.

If you are getting bullied about your sexual orientation or gender identity and feel helpless, the Trevor Project can help. Planned Parenthood also some great resources on coming out.

Coming Out to My Family

This is probably one of the toughest decisions you'll have to make as a teen. Ask yourself these questions before moving forward:

Do you feel unsafe at home?

Do your parents or siblings frequently make violent and homophobic or transphobic comments? Do they ever make you feel unsafe?

Have they ever threatened you or expressed that they would not be accepting if you weren't heterosexual or cisgender?

Will they remove all physical and financial support if you weren't heterosexual or cisgender?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, it's important to really consider whether coming out to your family is a good decision right now. While it's important to be open and honest, your personal safety and security should come first. This doesn't mean that you can't ever come out to your family, but it might be best to wait until you can better support yourself emotionally and financially.

How do I come out?

Coming out to your family is a huge step, so it's okay to be nervous! Remember, this is big news for your family too, so make sure you're adequately prepared for any reaction. Consider the following as you prepare to come out:

Make sure you're ready. Are you confident discussing your sexual and/or gender identity? Do you feel comfortable answering all of your parents' questions and concerns? Be prepared to handle negative reactions, too. If you don't feel very secure, it might be a good idea to wait until you feel emotionally ready.

Practice what you are going to say. Saying the words out loud, even just to yourself, can help give you confidence before you talk with your family.

Give them time to process the news after you tell them. Just because they don't accept your sexuality right off the bat doesn't mean they don't still love and support you.

Help them learn more about you by giving them resources and connecting them to organizations like Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Assure them that you're happy and confident with your decision, and let them know that you want their support.

If you need more support before coming out, ask a trusted adult to help you better prepare. Having an adult your parents trust can also help them process the news.

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Adolescence is a time to explore and embrace your sexuality. But what is sexuality? It's not such an easy answer, but to sum it up, it's the word we use to describe our sexual interests, attractions, preferences, and even our gender expression. Sexuality is about more than just sex.

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Healthy communication skills can turn a good relationship into a great one. Healthy communication is all about respect, honesty, listening, and being open with your feelings and what you want.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/relationships/all-about-communication

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Before you decide to have sex or if you are already having sex, you need to know how to stay healthy. Even if you think you know everything you need to know about sex, take a few minutes and read on. Your doctor wants to make sure you know the facts.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/dating-sex/pages/Making-Healthy-Decisions-About-Sex.aspx

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Mental Health Resources for College Students

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Mental Health Resources for College Students

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With the pressures facing most people today, it is essential to take your mental health seriously. This is especially true for college students and young people, whose lack of experience in the real world could lead to major mental health issues resulting from stress, overwork, fatigue, or even the onset of a more serious mental illness. In fact, up to 75 percent of college students with possible mental health issues do not seek help for what ails them.

While this resource is meant to provide college students and young people with quality information on maintaining good mental health and identifying mental health issues, it is not meant to take the place of professional advice from a qualified mental health specialist. Anyone who wishes to learn more keeping tabs on their mental health should consider taking this mental health assessment before diving into the resource.

For college students and young people who do not struggle with significant mental health issues, there are still actionable steps to take in order to relieve stress and anxiety. Here are some suggestions to take into consideration:

Physical Activity: Physical activity releases "happy chemicals" in our brain known as endorphins that can have an almost immediate impact in balancing our mind and body's negative reaction toward stress and anxiety. Physical activity can also boost self-confidence and increase our ability to think clearly, focus, and inspire others to do the same.

Sleep and Diet Changes: Major changes in diet or sleep habits can also lead to elevated levels of stress or anxiety in a college student. Consistently staying up late to study for exams or finish assignments can mean some degree of sleep deprivation, which could lead to poor academic performance or more serious mental health issues. What's worse is that sleep deprivation and poor diet often go hand in hand. Dramatic shifts in diet will also impact a student's academic performance and mental health.

Psychiatric Care: If a student finds that the amount of stress they face is becoming too much to handle on their own, obtaining psychiatric care should be given serious consideration. Inpatient or outpatient care may be pursued depending on the severity of the mental health issues faced by the individual in need of care. Mental health specialists are there to help us overcome stress, anxiety, and many other issues impacting mental health. Remember that seeking psychiatric care should never be thought of as unreasonable.

Relaxation Exercises: No matter how stressed or anxious students become, there should always be something to count on as a source of positive relaxation. That said, many young people may not be able to find the opportunity to relax in the way that they prefer. Nonetheless, there are several quick and easy relaxation exercises to explore. Taking a few breaks each day to stretch, meditate, or even pick out a comfortable set of clothing can work to significantly reduce anxiety throughout the day.

Therapy and Counseling: Even if a young person feels that the stress in their life is not affecting their mental health, seeking therapy and counseling to understand how to better manage anxiety can still be helpful. Students may feel they have an exceptionally high tolerance for stress and anxiety, but that failing to learn new and better ways to manage their stress could rapidly lead to more serious mental health issues. Seeking therapy and counseling is often the safest and most effective way to get personalized advice before stress becomes a much more serious problem.

Your Right to Mental Health: Understanding Confidentiality and Insurance

As the public's awareness about the importance of mental health grows, more attention is being directed toward insurance and confidentiality solutions for people struggling with mental health issues. The stigma of mental health as being less important than maintaining good physical health has led to a crisis of mental health, which can only be corrected as more and more citizens recognize the power of quality mental health treatment.

A major trend bringing attention to the mental health of college students is the fact that more student than ever before are seeking mental health care. As with any rising demand for an important health service, institutions that work closely with students - Â like their colleges and universities - are incorporating mental care into the health care offered to students. Moreover, people who are 26 years old or younger are now able to be covered by their parent's health insurance policy as a result of the 2010 Affordable Care Act (also known as "Obamacare").

On top of providing young people with more health insurance options, the Affordable Care Act has also introduced some great provisions regarding mental health care. Supporters of the health law recognize mental health care as an important part of physical health care. As such, the ACA makes it easier for young people to afford health insurance and expands Medicaid to help more people that struggle daily with mental health issues. The law also ensures that certain mental health services and treatments that may have traditionally been declined by private insurance companies or Medicaid must now be covered.

Confidentiality is also a major roadblock discouraging people from seeking out the mental health treatment they need. Even though mental disorders are becoming more understood and accepted by the public-at-large, students may still feel embarrassed of their own mental health issues. Everyone should understand that the professional mental health community employs many safeguards to help keep information about your mental health confidential and only shared when coordinating a patient's care.

While the Affordable Care Act should ensure that all young Americans have access to affordable, high quality health care, there are still many young people today that remain uninsured. Young people who find themselves uninsured, however, should remain vigilant about obtaining mental health care the minute they need it. To help uninsured people find proper mental health treatment, Mental Health America has compiled an extensive list of options that should be kept handy in the event of a mental health crisis.

As the inclusion of mental health treatment becomes the rule and not the exception for health plans across the nation, college students will finally have the resources and support needed to help maintain both their physical and mental well-being while on-campus.

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Mental Health Guide for College Students

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With the pressures facing most people today, it is essential to take your mental health seriously. This is especially true for college students and young people, whose lack of experience in the real world could lead to major mental health issues resulting from stress, overwork, fatigue, or even the onset of a more serious mental illness.

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The Family Crisis Center in Bastrop is a wonderful organization that will help you! If you're afraid to talk with them, but think it might be helpful to do so, talk with Bethany, and we'll get you set up!
http://www.family-crisis-center.org/index2.php

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http://www.breakthecycle.org/help-friend

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Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship

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Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship

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http://www.breakthecycle.org/warning-signs

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After sexual assault, it’s hard to know how to react. You may be physically hurt, emotionally drained, or unsure what to do next. You may be considering working with the criminal justice system, but are unsure of where to start. Learning more about what steps you can take following sexual violence can help ground you in a difficult time.
https://www.rainn.org/after-sexual-assault

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Child abuse is when a parent or caregiver, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm or risk of serious harm to a child. There are many forms of child maltreatment, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation and emotional abuse.

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Online Resources

Prevent Child Abuse America
Dedicated to providing information on child abuse and inspiring hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of children.

Stand for Children
Advocate for improvements to, and funding for, programs that give every child a fair chance in life.

Children Now
Information on child abuse and on making children the top public policy priority.

American Humane Devoted to preventing cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children and animals.

Child Welfare League of America
Child Welfare League of America National Data Analysis System CWLA, in cooperation with the nation's state child welfare agencies, provides a comprehensive, interactive child welfare database. Internet users can create customized tables and graphs, as well as access information on child abuse.

Child Welfare Information Gateway
Child Welfare Information Gateway connects professionals and concerned citizens to timely, essential information and resources targeted to the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families.

Child Trends Data Bank
Source for the latest national trends and research on over 100 key indicators of child and youth well-being.

Children's Action Alliance
Helps promote the well-being of children and their families through research, policy development, media campaigns and advocacy.

Children's Defense Fund
Mission is to ensure every child has a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life.

National Data Archive on Child Abuse
Exchange among researchers in child maltreatment field.

Respect in Sport
Respect in Sport is an online bullying, abuse, harassment and neglect prevention program for coaches and community leaders.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau
Government site featuring information on child abuse, statistics, and resources related to child welfare.

Zero to Three
Publications, reference guides to programs, projects and professional developmental services promoting the healthy development of our nation's infants and toddlers.

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Child Abuse Education & Prevention Resources - Childhelp

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Online Resources Prevent Child Abuse America Dedicated to providing information on child abuse and inspiring hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of children. Stand for Children Advocate for improvements to, and funding for, programs that give every child a fair chance in life.

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The types of abuse.
http://www.loveisrespect.org/is-this-abuse/types-of-abuse/#tab-id-3

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Welcome to the Trevor Support Center, a place where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions, and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more! Remember, if you need immediate support or help, Trevor’s counselors are just a phone call, chat, or text away. You are not alone.
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/trevor-support-center/#sm.0014ap39i13pad6auw621e9r477x3

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http://www.breakthecycle.org/help-friend

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http://www.loveisrespect.org/healthy-relationships/healthy-lgbtq-relationships/

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http://www.loveisrespect.org/healthy-relationships/

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Respect is important in all aspects of a relationship, but when it comes to sex, it's really important for mutual respect to be a priority.

In order to have respectful sex of any kind, partners need to have a solid understanding of each other's boundaries around physical and sexual activity. Maybe one (or all) of you doesn't have a lot of experience with sex (which is totally okay), or maybe one (or all) of you is really experienced (which is also totally okay). Being able to talk honestly with your partner/s about what you want, what you don't want and what you're comfortable or uncomfortable with is absolutely crucial. It's also really important that you're able to fully trust that your partner/s would not violate your boundaries or ignore your feelings. If you can't talk with your partner/s about sex, and/or you don't feel that you can trust them, then you and your partner/s likely aren't quite ready to do it.

Another key ingredient to a healthy and respectful sexual relationship: CONSENT. We can't say it enough, consent is 100% essential. Consent isn't just about saying no to something; it's about enthusiastically saying yes! Consent means that both people are excited about and completely on board with what's happening. We all have the right to determine for ourselves what we do with our bodies, when we do it and with whom. Always. Even if you're in a relationship with someone, that doesn't mean you're ever obligated to have sex of any kind. YOU decide what you will consent to and what you won't.

So, what does a respectful sexual relationship look like?

Checking in with each other before, during and after sexual activity

Talking openly and honestly about what you like and don't like

Listening to each other

Accepting that "No means no" and only "Yes means yes!"

Respecting each other's boundaries, no matter what

Not sharing or threatening to share personal stuff (information, pictures, videos) with others

Respecting each other's right to privacy, online and off

If you have questions about sex and sexuality, Scarleteen is an AWESOME resource for honest, inclusive and straightforward information. Seriously, we love them. They created two checklists that are must-reads for anyone considering having sex - whether for the first time or the hundredth time.

Sexual Readiness Checklist: This is a suuuuper comprehensive list of questions for you and your partner(s) to think about and discuss before you have sex of any kind.

Yes, No, Maybe So: Need a little help figuring out your boundaries around sex? This checklist is for you. Go through it solo or with a partner!

Scarleteen also has a fantastic article about what "no" actually means and dealing with the fear of (or actual) rejection when it comes to sex. You gotta check it out!

Respectful, happy and healthy sexual relationships are possible for people of all genders and sexual orientations. Like any type of relationship, you need communication, boundaries, trust and respect!

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Respect is important in all aspects of a relationship, but when it comes to sex, it's really important for mutual respect to be a priority. In order to have respectful sex of any kind, partners need to have a solid understanding of each other's boundaries around physical and sexual activity.