A recent study conducted by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law has shed light on concerning suicide rates among transgender individuals in the United States. The research, based on data from the U.S. Transgender Population Health Survey (TransPop), has uncovered distressing figures, with 81 percent of transgender adults admitting to contemplating suicide at some point, and 42 percent having attempted suicide. Additionally, 56 percent disclosed engaging in self-injury for non-suicidal reasons.
Significant Disparities in Mental Health
Comparing the health outcomes of transgender and cisgender adults, the study exposed significant disparities. Both groups reported similar rates of hazardous alcohol consumption and problematic drug use throughout their lives, but transgender individuals exhibited notably poorer mental health over their lifetimes.
Higher Risk for Transgender Adults
The risk of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury was found to be seven times greater among transgender adults than cisgender adults. Notably, transgender nonbinary individuals faced a higher risk of hazardous drinking, with rates four times higher than those observed in transgender women. The study also indicated higher levels of problematic drug use, psychological distress, and instances of considering suicide in the past for transgender nonbinary individuals compared to transgender men.
Factors Contributing to Mental Health Struggles
Williams Institute Distinguished Senior Scholar, Ilan H. Meyer, the author of the study, emphasized the significance of societal recognition and acceptance of gender identities beyond the binary of cisgender man or woman. He pointed out that politically motivated attacks on transgender individuals have increased stigma and prejudice, resulting in greater exposure to minority stress, which contributes to the higher rates of substance use and suicidality among transgender people.
A Call for Intervention
With hazardous drinking and substance use with problematic consequences being reported by many transgender individuals, the study highlighted the importance of evidence-based interventions to address mental health challenges in this community. Columbia University Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Jeremy D. Kidd, emphasized the need to increase access to gender-affirming care and improve transgender community connectedness, as these factors have been associated with lower rates of suicidality.
In conclusion, the study serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for focused efforts to support the mental health and well-being of transgender Americans and foster a more inclusive and accepting society for all gender identities.