Transgender 101

Depression

• Basic Definitions
• Medical
  • Terminology
  • Hormones
  • SRS
  • Hair Removal
  • Research
• Psychological
  • Standards of Care
  • Guilt/Shame/Regret
  • Depression
  • Fear/Humiliation
  • Joy
  • Family Issues
  • Gender Dysphoria
• Political
  • Protections
  • Discrimination
  • Hate Crimes
  • Marriage
• Hormones
  • Estrogen
  • Testosterone
• How
• Sources
• Back to Home

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Corrections, or Suggestions?

    Depression is the leading mental health problem for anyone in the world. It just so happens to be the most frequent problem faced by the transgender population as well. Due to the stigmatization of transgendered behavior in modern society, it is very easy for someone to get depressed about it. Unfortunately, transgendered individuals are often hesitant to get help. This is mainly due to being discounted, misdiagnosed, or characterized as pathological usually be inexperienced mental health professionals.

     Another reason one might not seek out help is due to the lack of medical insurance. Many transgendered people face employment discrimination. With that in mind, many are without insurance at all. Hormones and therapy visits that are required by the standards of care are a lot of money. Combine that with possible hair removal or some surgical options, and insurance is likely not going to happen. Being a transgendered individual going through transition is not cheap.

     Other sources of depression might come from self image. Many transsexuals look in the mirror and focus on the attributes of their body that still appear like the opposite gender. For example, a male to female may focus on voice, adam's apple, or wide shoulders. A Female to male may see breasts, feminine face shape, or their height. This brings on feelings of inadequacy and then to depression. Dating is another source of depression. It's very hard to tell a potential love interest that you are transgendered. Many people do not know how to handle it, if they can at all.

     One thing to stress very much is that depression is one of the best understood mental illnesses and can be treated. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of depression is encouraged to find someone to talk to, even a good friend. Anyone can help.