Being trans, nonbinary, or questioning your gender isn’t a mental illness — but the trans community does experience higher rates of mental health conditions and challenges than any other LGBTQ+ identity group. This isn’t because of their gender itself — it’s due to negative social attitudes toward their identity and lack of access to gender-affirming care.
If you’re just starting to learn about the trans community, you might be unfamiliar with some of the language used surrounding gender — the Human Rights Campaign’s Glossary of Terms can clarify new-to-you words as you explore this topic.
The trans community and mental health
The trans community has grown over recent years — it’s estimated that over 2 million transgender and non-binary people live in the United States today. This number will likely continue to rise as younger generations are increasingly accepting of gender exploration.
Affirming transgender identities
Exploring & affirming your gender identity
Being your authentic self — if safe to do so — is one of the best ways to protect your well-being. Take pride in exploring and affirming your gender identity!
Learn more about gender identity
Affirming your loved one’s gender exploration & identity
If someone you know is questioning, trans, and/or nonbinary, it is essential that you support and affirm their journey.
Learn more about supporting your loved one
Providing gender-affirming mental health care
If you’re a mental health clinician or provider who works with questioning, trans, and/or nonbinary people, knowing how to affirm their gender is critical to providing quality support.
Learn more about gender-affirming care
Transmasculine mental health
Learn more about transmasculine mental health
Transgender Mental Health Care
Gender identity: Support from exploration to transition
Under reporting of suicide attempts in gender non-conforming individuals
Additional resources
You can find additional resources in our LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
Take a mental health test
Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.