SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The Savannah Pride Center says it has seen an increase in mental health calls and requests for support from members of the LGBTQ+ community during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Michael Bell, executive director of the Savannah Pride Center, said the organization has experienced growing demand for services since the election of President Donald Trump.
Bell said the increase is tied to both political rhetoric and broader economic pressures affecting many Americans, including rising costs of living.
“The Trevor Project, which is the national organization, saw a 700% increase in depression and suicide crisis calls,” Bell said. “We’ve seen something similar in mid-sized cities across the country. For us, our youth and our families have all seen an uptick in clientele for our mental health program since the election.”
The Savannah Pride Center provides mental health support along with additional services aimed at helping people navigate housing, employment and health care needs.
“We also do job placement,” Bell said. “We sit down with people and work on their resume. We help them call their insurance or get insurance to get that coverage or find care without insurance. It’s working on the entire person.”
Bell said many people seeking help report feeling afraid to openly express themselves in the current political climate, which he said can contribute to worsening mental health.
“This is because of the politics they see on television and on social media constantly berating them,” Bell said. “It sends a message that says you’re not enough, you don’t matter, or you somehow don’t have the same rights to happiness and to be yourself as other people do.”
Bell said those feelings can be especially harmful for people who have lost family support or experienced housing instability.
The Savannah Pride Center said it plans to continue expanding support programs as demand for services grows.
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