(Bi Social Network)—The goal for starting a mental health project under Bi Social Network is a vast undertaking, and something I’ve been thinking about for over three years. When we closed our shop as a bi media entity in December 2013, I didn’t know if I would ever return. After all, how can one person or group, continue to work on a single issue of “bi visibility” and not get overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. Many were upset or in disbelief that we would give up—when we were making huge milestones with media outlets, partnering with LGBT established companies, and even having a stage in Hollywood and the White House.

In the middle of all that from 2009-12, I lost my career confidence, in what I really wanted to do, not just with a vocation, but personal fulfillment. My mother died in 2012, who suffered with mental health issues from the time I was born to the time she died. Learning that my sister suffered as well. Losing my self-worth, that was centered with family, friends, career, home and relationships. I was floating in a sea of pain, and I needed to fall far, to understand what mattered in my life.

Understanding of Success and Failure

I suffered from Situational Depression (or Stress Response Syndrome) for nine months in 2012. It can happen when a major life change takes a toll, such as homelessness, job loss, divorce, loss, death, just to name a few. But if I never had gone through all that, I wouldn’t be able to pick myself up, get on my career path, improve relationships and meet the love of my life.

In all that upheaval, and my mom dying, I wanted some way to honor her and in the process, help families come out the other side. This goal will be in the form of my new nonprofit Step Up For Mental Health. BSN will be a project of that goal. I want to aid people I felt had been overlooked in the community, that I witnessed from 2013 to today.

What’s BSN’s Mission?

The goal is to help the bi+ community under this project, who are struggling. Whether it’s homeless youth finding housing or services. Perhaps visiting an elderly bi person who doesn’t have family. Giving someone going on a job interview a small help with clothing, transportation or advice at the right moment—and creating advocacy campaigns that will improve the lives of others.

The data is clear that the bi community needs more support in mental health, homelessness and poverty advocacy. A study conducted by Equaldex (a collaborative knowledge base on LGBT Law) found out that bisexual men are 6.3 times more likely to consider death by suicide than straight men. Bisexual women, are 5.9 times more likely to consider death by suicide than straight women.

Step Up For Mental Health’s Goal

Our mission will be to transform the gap of well-known documented data and help to change it. It’s going to be a huge responsibility, but I know it’s the best way to help shape the bi+ community by assisting people in positive ways.

If you have ideas or ways we can take small ideas and make a big impact, let us know via our website. Stay-tuned, theirs more to come.

Cheers,

Adrienne J. McCue

President & Executive Director