A transgender (often abbreviated as trans) person is someone whose gender identity does not correspond with their sex assigned at birth.
Due to this “difference” as our society has assumed, there has been discrimination against transgender individuals for years on end, not realizing that they are just as human as we are. Despite legislation transgender community faces harassment, discrimination and abuse. Not only are they bullied in school and denied employment, they are rejected by their family as well, thrown out onto the streets without any job or food, not considering for once where exactly they went wrong to deserve such treatment from their loved ones as well.
In this article, I would like to discuss about the mental disorders faced by these transgender individuals due to our negligence and non-acceptance towards them.
Mental health disorders faced by transgender individuals:
Transgender individuals are at high risk at serious mental health outcomes due to minority stress – the stress faced by individuals who are categorised as stigmatized social minority groups.
Transgender people are more likely to struggle with extreme level of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts than the general population.
All transgender individuals face an emotional condition known as the gender dysphoria. It is a term that describes a sense of discomfort or unease that a person may feel because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity. This dissatisfaction can be so intense, it can lead to chronic stress as well.
Normally, they are denied employment which compels them to earn a living by begging or as a sex worker, which may be the cause low self-esteem.
Transgender women experience severe depression and have higher rate of suicide attempts as compared to the general population. Emotional and sexual abuse faced by transgender women is a very common reason for their depression. Sex work is the only source of income for these individuals.
Transgender men face comparable amount of physical and emotional abuse as well. Transgender individuals have been publicly harassed and beaten up time and again, infrequently murdered or just left to die. These events give rise to serious mental health issues, which may cause them to take their own lives.
Not only adults, but trans teens are bullied and teased at school. The social criticism and the pressure to fit into gender norms causes severe trauma. They are often taunted which may cause panic attacks or stress-related seizures. These traumatic experiences increases self-harm risks among them as well. At a very young age these individuals are forced to take in hateful comments about themselves which also results in lack of confidence and low self-esteem.
Due to this insensitive behavior towards transgender individuals, it has caused them immense pain and insecurity about themselves when their only “crime” according to our society was they chose to not lose their identity despite being socially stigmatized.
Although studies have shown transgender people who are respected by their family, socially supported and accepted have a comparatively better mental state than the one’s who are not.
How can the society contribute to transgender equality?
Just like any other human being, transgender individuals also have equal rights and freedom to live a life they desire.
Being equally treated and respected by our society is all it takes to make a change. We often tend to forget how equitably unique they are just because these individuals do not fit the social norms.
We can respect someone’s identity even when it’s not completely clear to us. It is necessary to ask ourselves “Do I really need to know this information to treat them respectfully?” It is crucial for us to keep this in mind these individuals need a comfortable environment just as we would. Putting ourselves in their shoes and rethinking our words to them can make a huge difference.
Equal opportunities provided to all trans youth and adult can turn out to be yet another way our society can prove to be respectful and acceptance towards them. Instead of overlooking their talents and brilliance, we can be appreciative by giving them access to reverential working grounds.
Youngsters usually learn from adults itself, instead of being critical towards trans youth, we should always teach our children to stand up for them. This simple initiative can change the lives of these youths, prevention of bullying in schools will provide safe and comfortable educational grounds as well.
It’s always the small gestures that matter, initiating a respectful conversation with them may as well make them feel wanted and seen.
It’s about time we start making a change and break the social stigma.
Even though our society has been considerably tolerant towards transgender individuals, tolerance isn’t enough, it’s acceptance that will help them grow comfortable in their skin.
These individuals are still suffering from family rejection, social pressure and unemployment.
Their mental health is considered a joke, they’re still being taunted and tortured in every aspect of their life which is absolutely not acceptable.
As I mentioned before, they are just as human as we are, it’s time we start treating them as our equals and accepting them with open arms.
