If you're struggling, reach out and seek support. You'll find the details of some trans and/or LGBTQ+ specific helplines on the TransActual wellbeing hub. Type in https://transactual.org.uk/wellbeing/ to find them.
This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we're focussing specifically on what trans people can do to look after our mental health. It's especially important at the moment because there's seems to be a new thing to contend with in the news every week.
“Those of us who live right smack bang in the middle of the gorgeous, mutable Venn diagram that is transness and neurodivergence know that there is so much to be learned about each through the lens of the other, and how exhilarating and transformative the spiral journeys we take towards ourselves can be.” Fred
The tranquil #Solway Firth at Silloth, #Cumbria. Across the water is the coast of Kirkcudbrightshire, now Dumfries & Galloway. Criffel (570m/1870 ft) dominates.
In #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek my images focus on the natural world. After the sky on Ascension Day, today it’s the turn of the sea.
Connecting with nature is a God-given way of enhancing mental health, alleviating anxiety, enriching human life, and deepening awareness of our environment.
Being trans is not a mental health condition, but living in a transphobic society can cause or exacerbate mental ill health.
“We are a tiny minority who face discrimination on a daily basis. It's hard to date and nigh on impossible to get healthcare support We have to think about where we travel, which companies we apply for jobs with and every day trans women are judged on our appearances.”
Charlotte
What are the factors impacting trans people's mental health? Yesterday we posted about issues with access to healthcare and the knock on effects that can have.
Issues around employment can also have a huge impact on a person's mental health.
In our Trans Lives Survey 2021, 80% of non-binary respondents told us they’d experienced transphobia from colleagues.
Step outdoors and take in nature. Listen to the bird song and the gentle sound of summer: the bumblebee. 🎶🐝
It's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, and this year's theme is anxiety. Spending time in nature can help us manage anxious thoughts and feelings, so we feel calmer and less stressed. 🌿
This week, give your wellbeing a boost by getting outside and connecting with the wildlife on your doorstep, even if you can only take 5 or 10 minutes for yourself. 💚
It's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek this week and we'll spending the week highlighting the issues that contribute to trans people being more likely to experience poor mental health. We'll also be sharing some self-care tips.
The uncertainty of being stuck on a long waiting list can impact trans people's mental health as well as their careers. Money worries that come from being unemployed can then act to exacerbate the issue.
Jak told us: "I lost my job because of the uncertainty of surgery and when I was going to be called for my next surgery My mental health has been massively effected as I'm stuck, my life can't progress."