TRANSGENDER TEENS AND DEPRESSION

TRANSGENDER YOUTH & MENTAL HEALTH
Dr. Reisner, the lead researcher from the study, examined data on 180 transgender patients’ ages 12-29 years. He compared them to non-transgender patients who were seen at the Boston’s Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center. Compared to non-transgender peers, transgender youth have an elevated risk of developing depression (50.6% vs. 20.6%); suffer from anxiety (26.7% vs. 10%); had attempted suicide (17.2% vs. 6.1%); and had engaged in self-harming activities without lethal intent (16.7% vs. 4.4%).
The study’s findings support what teen mental health professionals have long asserted:
Transgender teens are at risk for serious mental health issues.

WHY TRANSGENDER TEENS NEED COMPETENT MENTAL HEALTH CARE
IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING YOUR TEEN
HELP IN THE TRANSITIONING PROCESS
– Medical support from experts who have experience with transgender youth.
– Mental health support from experts who have experience with transgender youth.
– Social support groups or group therapy for both parents and teens. Groups are a great way to share feelings, information and in allowing teens and parents to feel less alone.
– Family support from parents, siblings, extended family and friends.
– Support from school officials to ensure your child’s safety.
TRANSGENDER ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT: LOS ANGELES
Transgender people identify as the opposite gender they were assigned at birth. If you have a transgender teen or pre-teen who suffers from gender dysphoria, seek treatment from Polaris Teen Center. Our experts have lots of experience working with teen transgenders. We can help them navigate the often difficult transition process, as well as assist with any mental health issues.
TRANSGENDER & LGBTQ TEENS – MENTAL HEALTH STATISTICS
40-68%
40-68 percent of transgender individuals think about committing suicide at some point in their life.
1%
In the U.S., nearly 1 percent of youth (150,000) between 13 and 17 years old are transgender.
25%
25 percent of LGBTQ individuals abuse substances, such as alcohol or drugs, compared to 5-10 percent of the general population.
42%
42 percent of teens who identify as transgender have attempted suicide at least once.
6X
Compared to the general population, LGBTQ youth, including transgender teens, are six times more likely to struggle with major depression.
7%
About 7 percent of people in the U.S. struggle with depression and 18 percent suffer from anxiety. Nearly ½ of individuals who identify as transgender struggle with depression or anxiety.
THE RIGHT HELP FOR TRANSGENDER TEENS
If you are seeking help for your child who is questioning their gender identity, please contact the admissions staff at our residential teen treatment center.
Polaris provides comprehensive care to teens suffering from a variety of mental health and secondary substance abuse disorders.
To learn more about our youth programs, or to schedule a tour, visit our website or confidentially contact our admission staff below.
Changes made now can last a lifetime. Get the help your loved one deserves – call today.
