How supportive networks enhance the mental health of gender diverse children

Gender diverse children and young people are at greater risk of negative mental health outcomes than their peers. One longitudinal study found approximately three in four gender diverse children have experienced anxiety or depression, four out of five have engaged in self-harm, and almost one in two (48%) have attempted suicide (Strauss et al., 2017). These issues are not experienced by children and young people because they are gender diverse but are related to the ways they might be responded to or supported by those around them (Strauss et al., 2017). Gender diverse children and young people can face higher rates of bullying, harassment, discrimination and abuse.  

For all children, their environment, supports and relationships are vital in shaping their mental health and wellbeing. Having a supportive network can significantly reduce the risk of negative mental health outcomes, like self-harm and suicidal ideation, for gender diverse children and young people. Supportive networks can stretch beyond a child’s parents, extended family, friends and school community to include supportive practitioners and services.    

In this episode, Nicole Rollbusch talks to Arianne, a parent of six children between the ages of 8 and 22. When supporting her child through coming out and transitioning, their social and family supports were significantly challenged. Arianne took on an active role in supporting her child in her journey and her other children in theirs as the whole family experienced a transition. Arianne shares her family’s experience of supporting their daughter, navigating services, and what practitioners can do to provide gender-affirming support in their practice.

In this episode you will learn about:  

• what preteen children may experience when exploring their gender, including the impacts on their mental health and wellbeing [04:22] 

• the influence of parents, extended family and community on the wellbeing of gender diverse children [08:25]  

• the challenges children and families can face in accessing gender-affirming support services [17:39]  

• how practitioners can work in gender-affirming ways – what can be helpful and where to start [21:32] 

Further information and resources:  

From Emerging Minds: 

Supporting children and young people who identify as gender diverse [podcast episode for families] 

Working with trans and gender diverse children [podcast episode for practitioners] 

Other organisations with useful resources: 

Transcend Australia: An organisation supporting Australian families and trans, gender diverse and non-binary children and young people. 

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia: An organisation supporting healthy LGBTQI+, gender diverse and bodily diverse people throughout Australia. 

Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN): An organisation highlighting networks and resources for professional development in mental health. 

Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH): The national peak body representing, supporting and connecting those working to strengthen the health, rights and wellbeing of all trans people (binary and non-binary).