webadminTransgender people face a higher risk of stigma associated with negative mental state problems. It is an agony they suffer silently in their everyday lives. There is widespread inequity when it comes to providing them a level platform with others in the society. However, the degree and ostracization of the transgender community varies from societies and countries.
Lady Gaga rightly says transgender persons are “born this way.” One should understand that being transgender is not due to improper parenting or exposure to traumatic events. It is true that there are prejudicial views held by some in the society that transgender people are mentally ill, but this is absolutely a farce. There may be psychological problems within them, but that is not due to being transgender. Having any mental health issue in them is just like others having it.
Researchers evaluated nearly 1,000 transgender people residing in New Zealand, assessed their resources and protective attitudes, as well as a large number of stress experiences, and found that transgender people have a very high level of psychological stress and will harm themselves or think of suicide.
The psychological impact of being a transgender includes:
- Very less satisfaction in life
- Extreme loneliness
- Extreme stress, depression and mental health issues
- Suicidal thoughts and attempt
- Tendency to self-harm
For some people, the uncertainty of how they are going to perceive their gender greatly affects their mental state.
Many transgender suffer from anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts because being a transgender doesn’t allow them to define themselves in two dominant sexes of being male or female. They lack the confidence due to lack of support in the society. They are always being judged of not being perfect. They are subjected to isolation and ostracized in society. This type of isolation exists not just in their personal lives but also impacts their professional life. Many transgender people struggle to get a job. They are forced to live the life of a destitute which further exacerbates their mental health. Many studies have also shown that Black LGBTQIA individuals are subjected to racism.
However, the time has come to see it in a whole new perspective and give them their due. Societal bias coupled with mental health problems make the transgender community face steeper challenges as they decide to go for treatment intervention. They need greater support from the society, family and friends to approach treatment when faced with mental health issues. It calls for a greater awareness in the society that they have equal right to receive mental health treatment and wade through the adversaries just like others.
Luckily, there is a plethora of treatment programs that are specially designed to help the transgender community get rid of any mental ailment. Treatment programs for them are no different from the rest just because they have a different orientation. These programs have the same level of efficacy and procedures followed in the entire course of the therapy. Hence, one should encourage any transgender grappling with any mental health issue to approach treatment for a long-term recovery and regain life.
How to find care?
Being a transgender is not a crime and our society needs to give them the recognition they deserve. They need to build up a support network that is not gender biased. There are many treatments available to provide care to a transgender battling with mental health issues. Through cognitive therapy, talk therapy and behavioral therapy many transgenders have revived from mental trauma. All that is needed is communication, acceptance, care and a good professional help.
How and where to seek help for mental health issues?
Do you find yourself battling with mental health challenges and emotional burden often experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress? If yes, then it is time to talk to a primary care physician or a healthcare provider for appropriate referrals. You can reach out to Mind Health Network for immediate help.
We, at Mind Health Network can refer you to the best treatment available in your area. You can call at our 24/7 helpline number to get more information about a psychiatric center near you. You can also chat with our admission consultants to learn more about treatment plans and our network of mental health centers.
