When Depression Turns Deadly: Society, Suicide and Transgender People
Social and political dysfunction can push transgender people into dark places. They need allies.
Content warning: This article, part of a Wise & Well Special Report, The United States of Depression, contains descriptions of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Like other healthcare professionals, I’m trained to think about the worst-case scenario: What’s the most dangerous thing that could be going on with this person? We also have to think about who’s in front of us, and how likely a given problem is for people like them. The top concern I have for young adult patients, and especially young transgender patients, is suicide.
In the college health clinic where I work as a nurse practitioner, I often see young adult patients who identify as transgender. Sometimes they come in to discuss hormone therapy and other gender-related care, but most often, they have the same kinds of health problems as other young adults: minor injuries, infections, and mental health concerns like depression and anxiety.
Depression in particular has me worried. A recurring theme I hear from transgender patients is that they’re scared, sad, and angry — not exactly a recipe for happiness and stability. It’s no surprise…
