Trans Mental Health Study 2012
This research represents the largest survey of its kind in Europe, providing vital data on trans people’s mental health needs and experiences, explored in the context of daily life, social/support mechanisms and when accessing healthcare and mental health services. Central here was an exploration of how the process of transitioning (social and/or medical) impacts mental health and wellbeing. The research was unique in its exploration of both the positive and negative impact that being trans has on mental health and wellbeing.
This research takes a humanistic approach equally valuing all diverse gender identities and gender expressions, however it is also a rigorous investigation of the factors which influence trans mental health and wellbeing. This perspective has enabled us to access a very large number of participants (889), many of whom have previously been too suspicious of researchers, in particular when talking about mental health, for fear of how they may be misinterpreted. Our approach, and history, reassured participants that their voices would be genuinely represented in the way that they intended. As such, where possible we have directly used their words. Our trans group connections have helped highlight areas for investigation, but all the findings have been reported without bias.
We hope that the findings of this report will be welcomed by trans people and enable them to feel that their voices have been heard. We also hope that they will be welcomed by public bodies and other service providers, as evidence of the need to commit resources to further understanding and better including the mental health needs of trans people, and to implement change to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for trans people.