In the April/May 2014 issue of Frock Magazine (http://frockmagazine.com/frock026/) and again in the June/July issue, our resident Transgender Psychologist, Amanda Bruce ADHP(NC), Dip. EH (NC), EHP, UHCP Reg, looked at depression, the kind of treatments that are available and how you can help someone who is suffering or who may be having suicidal thoughts.
But how widespread is depression in the trans community? Moreso than in the wider population? Have you ever suffered from depression and what did you do about it? Or have you helped someone who was depressed. If so, how did you help?
Tricky one, ladies. Medically, "simple" depression is usually classified as endogenous, or exogenous. The first suggests that the person's depression comes from something within, let's say, for example, gender dysphoria. The other suggests that the depression is the result of some external factor such as poverty, unemployment, or (if I may go here - in our situation) real or perceived rejection by society, feelings of being ridiculed and misunderstood.
This whole ball of wax really leads to the conclusion that anyone on the transgender spectrum is being hit twice (a double whammy, as some would say.) This is one of the root causes of the higher than average incidence of suicidal ideation (and action) and psychological disturbance in the TG community.
Medication can be a great help. All antidepressants are NOT equal, and each individual reacts differently to each different medication, so therefore, it can take quite a while to find the right one for you.
However, medication is not the only answer - it may be great at dealing with symptoms, but it does NOT deal with root causes.
A combination of medication, together with good therapy is the best way forward. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help change the perceptions that lead us down some blind alleys. It's not about understanding or analizing where we are. It is practical, goal-oriented and designed to help us MOVE forward from where we are. If you do suffer from depression, get the right meds, but more important - consider CBT.
I found out out that deep breathing and yoga exercises are very effective in reducing and getting rid of depression. If you're suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, you must try these exercises.