In a groundbreaking study exploring the mental health and care pathways of gender-diverse young people in Australia, researchers have shed light on the significant challenges faced by trans youth. The research highlights that trans young people experience alarmingly high levels of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide attempts, while facing considerable barriers in accessing necessary medical and mental health services.
The study, known as Trans Pathways, was conducted by a dedicated team of experts including Penelope Strauss, a PhD student in Population and Global Health at The Kids Research Institute Australia; Angus Cook, a professor at the School of Population and Global Health at The University of Western Australia; Ashleigh Lin, an NHMRC Research Fellow at The Kids Research Institute Australia; and Sam Winter, an Associate Professor of Sexology at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University. Together, they sought to deepen the understanding of the factors contributing to the mental health challenges faced by trans young people and to evaluate the responsiveness of mental health and medical services to their needs. Their findings, discussed in a recent article published on The Conversation, aim to highlight the pressing mental health issues within this community and advocate for improved support systems.
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Perhaps the most confronting finding was that almost half of trans young people have attempted to end their lives by suicide. This statistic alone demonstrates the urgent need for all Australians to act and do more to support trans young people. Support is needed from peers, parents, schools, health professionals and government.
Mental health in trans young people
Trans Pathways showed that trans young people in Australia aged 14-25 are experiencing depression and anxiety at approximately ten times the rate of adolescents in the Australian general population. Nearly 75% of participants reported ever being diagnosed with depression and 72% with anxiety, compared with about 7% in the general adolescent population.
The alarmingly high rate of suicide attempts (48%) is accompanied by the fact that 78% of trans young people have engaged in self-harm. These rates are much higher than in the general Australian population, where 11% of adolescents have self-harmed, and just over 2% have attempted suicide in the past 12 months. International research shows similar rates of suicide attempts, with 45% of trans students in the UK attempting to take their own lives.
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Why do trans young people have such poor mental health?
A large majority of Trans Pathways participants reported negative experiences that impacted their mental health and wellbeing. Almost 90% have been rejected by their peers, 74% have been bullied, 79% have experienced issues with school, university or TAFE, 69% have experienced discrimination, and 66% have felt a lack of family support.
Some 42% of trans young people have reached out to a service provider who did not understand, respect or have previous experience with gender-diverse people.
Issues with accommodation or homelessness have affected 22% of the study respondents. These experiences reflect societal attitudes towards trans people and demonstrate that they continue to be marginalised. Such attitudes can be changed through raising awareness of gender diversity to create a more accepting society.
Experiences of health services by trans young people
Trans Pathways found that when trans young people reach out for help from medical and mental health services, they’re regularly met with service providers who are not experienced with, or even aware of, gender diversity.
Of the Trans Pathways participants, 60% have experienced feeling isolated from medical and mental health services, and 42% have reached out to a service provider who did not understand, respect or have previous experience with gender-diverse people.
Others faced health professionals who did not know how to refer them to specialist services and provided inadequate care. In short, many health professionals lack the necessary skills to provide the support desperately needed by this group. Specialised and trans-friendly services are at capacity and woefully underfunded.
Read more: How media reports affect trans people, and what should be done
What can be done?
More trans young people are seeking support from mental health and medical services in Australia, indicating the immediate need for greater service provision. Existing services also need to be improved. All service providers (including psychologists, general practitioners, psychiatrists and endocrinologists) must be trained in gender diversity, and trans health should become a part of their required curriculum.
Changes need to begin with the wider community. Gender diversity should be explored in educational contexts to increase awareness among young people and parents. The government can lead this change by creating policies that are more inclusive of trans people, and by ensuring trans people are counted in data collection methods such as the census.
Policies and legislation should cover issues such as access to gendered facilities and include processes for legal gender recognition. Funding for gender services and research is needed to meet the needs of trans populations better. We all have a responsibility to improve the well-being of Australian young people.
Dr Carol Tung is committed to supporting transgender youth in their exploration of gender identity and medical transitioning. With experience since 2023, she offers personalised guidance during initial appointments, addressing mental health concerns and creating tailored support plans.
Read more about Dr Carol Tung
She provides clear information about hormone therapy options, discussing their pros and cons to help you make informed decisions. Dr Tung also connects you with reputable resources like TransHub, AusPath, and local services such as A Gender Agenda. Privacy and confidentiality are paramount, and she ensures that all consultations are treated respectfully, requiring written consent before discussing personal details. Your journey is important, and Dr Tung is here to help you through it.
Six questions a transgender youth might want to ask a health professional
These questions can help ensure the youth gets fair and understanding care that fits their needs.
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