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While anyone can experience anxiety or depression, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals face unique challenges that can contribute to the development of mental health problems. Unfortunately, these challenges have led transgender and gender non-confirming individuals to experience rates of depression and anxiety that are much higher the general population.
Far too many transgender and non-conforming individuals regularly experience stigma and discrimination because of their identity. Research has proven time and time again that the discrimination experienced by members of the trans community can have a dramatic negative impact on their mental health. According to research compiled by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation:
- Transgender youth are almost four times more likely to experience depression than cisgender peers.
- About one-third of transgender youth has considered suicide, and one-fifth has made an attempt.
- A 2016 National Center for Transgender Equality survey found that 40 percent of transgender adults experienced serious psychological distress within one month of taking the survey.
- Transgender college students without access to basic gender-appropriate facilities (e.g., restrooms) are 45 percent more likely to attempt suicide than those with access.
Challenges Experienced by the Trans Community
In a heteronormative world, being openly trans is not easy. There are a number of challenges that trans and non-conforming individuals experience:
- Discrimination at school or work
- Homelessness (e.g., a transgender youth is kicked out of their parent’s home after coming out)
- Refusal of medical services by a doctor or health care provider
- Lack of acceptance from family and friends
- Failure to be referred to by proper pronouns (e.g., a family member insists on using “he” even after a gender-neutral individual asks to be referred to as “they”)
- Violence or trauma
Having your true identity rejected or belittled can lead to feelings of shame, which may cause devastating effects on your mental health. In reality, your transgender or non-conforming gender identity is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it should not only be respected – but celebrated!
Signs It’s Time to Seek out Counseling for Anxiety and Depression
As a transgender or non-binary individual, you may be unsure about starting counseling. Whether or not your depression or anxiety is related to your gender identity, you want to feel assured that you will be accepted fully and unconditionally by the counselor you are working with. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of depression and anxiety and want help from a compassionate, LGBTQ-friendly therapist, it may be time to begin counseling.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Insomnia
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Lack of energy
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Feelings of apathy, hopelessness, irritability, and deep sadness
- Suicidal thoughts or recurrent thoughts about death
- Excessive worry about health, money, family, or friends
- Fear of rejection from family or friends
- Irrational expectations of the worst possible outcomes
- Physical symptoms such as frequent headaches, physical tension, trembling, and sweating
- Feelings of nervousness, restlessness, irritability, or lack of motivation
This is not a comprehensive list, and symptoms vary from person-to-person. In general, if your depression and anxiety symptoms are lasting more than a few weeks and impacting the quality of your life, it may be time to reach out for help.
How Can Counseling Help You?
It is vital that members of the transgender and gender non-conforming community have access to highly trained, understanding counselors who want to help. Learning positive coping skills to help navigate the challenges life throws at you — whether or not they are related to your gender identity — can help you feel more assured in every aspect of your life. By choosing a counselor who encourages you to embrace your authentic self, you are one step closer to making this a reality.
Your LGBTQ-Friendly Counseling Center in St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg is becoming world-renowned for its LGBTQ-friendly community and we love it! With acceptance and affirmation as two of our counseling center’s core values, we empower our clients in their sexual identity no matter what your identity is.
Our team is here to meet the mental health needs of LGBTQ individuals and we want you to feel safe, open, and proud about who you are. Whether you are finding it difficult to cope with or understand your sexuality or gender, undergoing bullying or criticism from peers or loved ones, or simply want to know you have a counselor who is knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues, we want to be there for you. Call McNulty Counseling today to begin your journey to feeling better. 727-344-9867!
Begin Affirming Transgender and LGBTQ Counseling in St. Petersburg, FL
You don’t have to struggle alone with fear of rejection or ridicule, depression, anxiety, or discomfort in your own body. You can begin to feel supported and encouraged in your gender identity exploration. If you find it difficult to accept yourself or experience barriers related to being an LGBTQ person, we can help. If you find it difficult to talk to others about your depression or anxiety in fear of being judged for your gender identity, we are here to change that.
Our skilled, affirming LGBTQ counselors are experienced in the unique issues and hardships transgender and other LGBTQ+ people often face. We want to help you or your loved one navigate this journey of self-discovery and work through any difficulties. If you have questions or would like to start counseling, please contact our St. Petersburg, FL clinic. If you want to experience new freedom and begin to thrive in your life, we’re here to help!
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