Home was a hard place for “Shannon.” In private, she was struggling with her sexual identity. She’d often heard her family use hurtful language about the LGBTQ+ community, so she didn’t feel comfortable confiding in them about what was going on in her head. She wanted to open up to her parents, but she wasn’t sure how to do it without creating conflict, and she worried about what it would mean for their relationship. As Shannon’s anxiety increased, she and her family got into more and more intense arguments, and eventually reached out to Second Story for Teens in Crisis.
She felt safe at Second Story, and she was relieved to talk to staff about her feelings. She also met other LGBTQ+ residents, helping her feel less alone.
Shannon and her family participated in several family counseling sessions with staff, and eventually Shannon felt safe enough to come out to her family. With the support of Second Story, Shannon and her family began working on creating space for Shannon to feel comfortable with her parents and in her identity. Shannon returned home and still calls staff when she feels like she needs some extra support and validation.
