Roughly 1.6 million people in the United States above the age of 12 are transgender — meaning that they identify as a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth.
However, there are still more sobering numbers: the rate of suicide, suicide attempts, and suicide ideation among trans people. Let’s break down the research, as well as mental health solutions that can help to reduce suicide ideation.
Transgender Suicide Rates: Statistics
Studies show that 82% of transgender people have considered suicide, and 40% have attempted suicide. This is especially true amongst trans youth, teenagers and young adults. The Trevor Project researchers even found that trans and nonbinary youth were “2 to 2.5 times as likely to experience depressive symptoms, seriously consider suicide, and attempt suicide compared to their cisgender LGBQ peers.”
As with any LGBTQ+ statistics, the full number may be hard to gauge as some transgender individuals have not yet come out and thus would not show up in surveys. However, even the reported numbers are enough to show that there is significant concern of suicide amongst the trans population.
Risk Factors: The Reasons Behind the Numbers
There are a number of reasons why trans individuals report considering and attempting suicide more than most of the rest of the population, and even more than cisgender LGBQ peers. Most of the recorded risk factors involve abuse from partners or a lack of acceptance from peers. Some of the most common reasons include:
Transphobia in Environment and Relationships
Everyone wants to be validated. When we feel that our peers do not believe us about who we are, we may feel angry, lonely, or depressed. Trans people often face transphobia in their workplaces, schools, and even their relationships. Some instances of transphobia may be major or life threatening: threats, violence, and bullying. Other times the transphobia may be more of a “microaggression”: making jokes about their gender identity, misgendering them, etc.
Even though microaggressions are considered “minor” forms of transphobia, they can have a major impact on the self-esteem of an individual — especially someone in their teens who is still figuring out their self-esteem to begin with.
Self-Stigma
Many trans people internalize the transphobia that they hear from those around them. Even though they know that they are trans, they may believe that this means something is wrong with them, that they’re weird or shameful. Some trans people also worry that their peers will believe they are only trans to be “different” or to get attention. This self-stigma can make it difficult for them to reach out when they feel depressed, which can in turn increase those feelings of suicide.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
In therapy, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) typically refer to childhood experience in which the patient was abused — physically, sexually, verbally, or emotionally — or in which they witnessed violence as a child. In the case of trans youths, abuse from their parents or siblings due to their gender identity often constitutes an ACE.
ACEs may happen during childhood, but the lasting impact follows patients into adulthood, sometimes making them more susceptible to destructive mental health issues or abusive relationships. People who have experienced ACEs may struggle to find healthy relationships and may be more likely to experience depression.
Lack of Acceptance and Belonging
Both adolescents and adults need a good support network in order to feel a sense of belonging. When trans teenagers are not accepted at school or home, it can increase the risk of suicidality. They may also feel that the environment around them forces them to remain in the closet, thus depriving them of the chance to be fully accepted for who they are.
Studies have shown that, particularly among trans youths, when the individual is able to be accepted and supported in their home and friend group, they are less likely to consider suicide.
Current Political Climate
Trans issues have become a polarizing political topic for some time, and this can be overwhelming for trans individuals following the news. A few years ago, the issue was primarily concerning bathroom laws that would require people to go to the bathroom correlated to their assigned gender at birth. Today, there are discussions of laws banning trans youths from receiving resources or support.
These laws are hotly debated in Congress, and the discourse often follows into the news, onto social media, and into public discussion in general. So in addition to anxiety about laws that may or may not go into effect, trans individuals may have to face a renewed hash of transphobia or targeted violence. This can make trans individuals feel unsafe in the current climate, thus increasing thoughts of suicide.
Sexual Assault or Abuse From Partners
One in two transgender individuals report experiencing sexual assault at some point in their lives, especially as children. It is worth mentioning that many of those instances of sexual assault happened during young childhood, before they came out as trans or even realized that they were trans in some cases. This leads some to wonder if this is a “chicken or the egg” situation. However, some trans individuals have also reported that they feared reporting their sexual assault, worried that their gender identity would be written off as a result of the abuse.
In addition, there are higher instances of intimate partner violence (IPV) for trans individuals reported than for cisgender individuals. Because most people look for support and emotional connection in their relationships, abuse from partners can be incredibly traumatic and lead to a feeling of hopelessness or “nowhere to go.”
Mental Wellness For Transgender Patients
Trans patients face a number of unique vulnerabilities that cisgender patients may not face. However, with the right mental health provider, you can find help and support. Many trans patients seek out therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, especially trans issues. These therapists will understand your vulnerabilities and how best to help you cope and live a life worth living.
We have a number of skilled, compassionate LGBTQ+ affirming mental health providers available at Rivia Mind. Contact us today to learn more or to book a free 15-minute consultation.
