Mental Health Disparities Among Canadian Transgender Youth

This article outlines the prevalence of mental health problems among transgender youth in Canada, and compares it with population-based studies. The study found a higher risk of reporting psychological distress, self-harm, major depressive episodes, and suicide, among transgender youth. 65% of transgender 14-18 year olds seriously considered suicide in the past year according to the study, and only a quarter of participants reported their mental health was good or excellent. The authors conclude that there is a significant need for policies and laws protecting transgender people from discrimination, as well as transgender competency training for mental health-care providers.