Milisha Magazine

Mental Health

Mental health issues are common in the general population, but is more prevalent in Queer and Trans Identifying people.  The important thing to remember is – you’re probably not crazy, just facing a difficult time in your life, which could be anything from social anxiety, depression, family issues and of course gender and sexual identity.  There is no need to feel ashamed about the fact that you havn’t been feeling 100% normal lately, normal is relative, and you’ll soon find there are people and resources out there to help you identify your specific needs pertaining to Mental Health.

High incidences of attempted and successful suicides also exist in the Trans community.  There is an obvious need to be aware of that there are numerous types of oppression and prejudices which can take you to the edge of reason, but there is help.  Campaigns like It Gets Better are testament to a community of survivors with a key message ‘it gets better’.  The most important thing you can do is talk to someone, a trusted friend or family member, but failing that there are organisations such as Lifeline (131114) which a 24 hr support service, and Gay and Lesbian Community Services which isn’t 24 hours, but is available Mon-Fri from 7pm to 10pm (08 9420 7201 or 1800 184 527  from country areas) which also cater for trans and genderqueer people.

Before you go and tell your parents or other family members that you think you’re going crazy – get assistance from organisations that focus on mental health informally, providing you with information and resources on a number of different levels – such as The Freedom Centre in Perth, which caters for young people who have diverse sexuality and/or gender.  If you’re a young person and feel your needs are specific to homosexuality, gender identity or symptoms such as anxiety or depression which have resulted from lack of acceptance by family and friends (or not telling them), then please visit The Freedom Centre or another such place in your local area.

Organisations such as Headspace: A national youth mental health foundation, focus on more severe types of mental illness, for people who have a more serious need, and assists in prevent onsets and relapses, because mental illnesses, like physical ones can get worse if left alone.  Other organisations you might like to try include Reachout and Beyond Blue.

Any person who wants to transition needs to see a psychiatrist on a regular basis anyway, so it is a good idea to look someone up and talk about your options.  Be sure to find a specialist, or someone that has been recommended to you, so that you can be sure they are keeping an open mind.  It is good to talk about gender identity and different its different social representations to a proffesional and build some sort of trust with them, because believe or not, you’re going through a very difficult period in your life.

Help is available, and hopefully Milisha will provide valuable information and resources, but the information represented on this website IS subjective and does not imply any rules, guidelines or norms pertaining to gender and/or transgender identity.