VODA, an LGBTQ+ mental health app, has unveiled its State of Trans+ Mental Health 2024 report, highlighting a concerning landscape for the mental health of the trans+ community worldwide. The report is based on a survey comprising 2,165 respondents from 75 different countries, revealing that over half of those surveyed regard their mental health as poor or very poor.
The findings paint a stark picture of the mental health challenges faced by trans+ people. A significant 67.8% of respondents reported being diagnosed with a mental health condition, with anxiety (76.1%) and depression (71.2%) emerging as the most prevalent issues. The report further identifies non-binary and genderqueer individuals, who often face unique struggles that are inadequately represented in existing mental health research.
Among the key challenges highlighted in the report, 79.8% of participants indicated the experience of gender dysphoria as a critical concern, while 80.4% reported anxiety regarding social acceptance. Fear of discrimination (70.7%) and potential family rejection (59.9%) were also cited as significant stressors impacting mental well-being. Nearly half (49%) of those surveyed experienced obstacles when seeking mental health services that are inclusive and sensitive to trans+ issues.
The report reveals that many respondents turned to self-help resources, with 51.7% relying on them, while only 30.6% accessed in-person therapy. Alarmingly, 13.8% of participants reported not using any mental health resources at all. The lack of accessible, trans-inclusive mental health support emerged as a particularly concerning finding. One gender-fluid individual expressed the urgent need for "in-person counselling in schools that is completely confidential," underscoring the crucial need for tailored mental health services.
A significant 83.7% of participants underscored the importance of developing mental health services for the trans+ community that are created by trans+ individuals themselves. This reflects a wider consensus on the necessity for therapists who are knowledgeable about the experiences and challenges faced by trans+ people.
“The need for specialised trans+ mental health services has never been more clear,” commented Jaron Soh, the founder of VODA. He emphasized the urgency of bridging existing gaps in mental healthcare to ensure that trans+ individuals have access to empathetic and inclusive support systems. In response to the articulated needs of the community, VODA is set to launch its new Trans+ Library. This initiative promises to be the largest source of free, trans-specific mental health resources globally and is being developed entirely by trans therapists to address the distinct experiences of the trans+ community, including issues such as gender dysphoria, coming out, and access to safe spaces.
VODA remains committed to shaping safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals, seeking to provide vital mental health resources tailored to the needs of the community. Through the establishment of the Trans+ Library and other initiatives, VODA aims to address the pressing mental health requirements of the trans+ population in an increasingly complex and challenging landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services