Understanding The Mental Health Of Transgender Athletes

Medically reviewed by Karen Foster, LPC
Updated October 22, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, substance use, or abuse which could be triggering to the reader.
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Involvement in sports can be a confidence booster, a self-care outlet, and a way to meet new people. For athletes, however, it often means much more. In addition to serving as a passion, an individual's sport of choice might be their career, way through college via an athletic scholarship, or way of life. However, transgender athletes often face several barriers that their cisgender counterparts don't. 

Understanding these barriers and how they might affect transgender mental health can be essential, whether you identify as trans or cis. As anti-trans legislation is passed worldwide, opening the door to conversations about fair and trans-welcoming policies and opportunities can be vital. 

Understanding the mental health of transgender athletes

Mental health has been a taboo and untouched topic for some athletes throughout history and in recent years. Stigmas about mental health can have a significant impact, regardless of whether an athlete is transgender or not, as it can lead to emotional repression and other consequences. 

The rate of depression seen in college athletes ranges from 15.6% to 21%, and the prevalence of depression and anxiety among elite athletes is 34%. Furthermore, athletes often face a higher risk of eating disorders—another prevalent concern in the transgender community.

Statistics on mental health in the transgender community show that transgender people face a heightened risk of the following conditions. 

Substance use disorders

Research shows that transgender people face a higher risk of substance use disorders (SUDs).

Depression and anxiety

Compared to the general population, transgender people are as much as six times more likely to experience a mood or anxiety disorder. Major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and social anxiety disorder may be the most common in this population. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

Transgender people are more likely to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This increased risk may be due to a higher prevalence of trauma, including but not limited to an increased risk of intimate partner violence and adverse childhood experiences.

Eating disorders

Statistics indicate that around 54% of LGBTQIA+ adolescents have been diagnosed with an eating disorder and that an added 21% suspect they may have met the criteria at some point in time. Furthermore, 67.2% of gender-nonconforming and transgender adults report basing self-worth on weight.

Suicide risk 

Statistics on transgender and non-binary youth aged 13 to 24 show that over 50% of transgender and non-binary youth within this age range have seriously considered suicide. Transgender adults also face a higher risk of suicide when compared to the rest of the general population.

If you would prefer to speak to a BIPOC crisis counselor, you can call or text BlackLine at 1-800-604-5841 for peer support, resources, and affirmation. They are trained to support those struggling with mental health concerns, hate crimes, BLM-related concerns, police brutality, prison advocacy, and referrals. These individuals work from a Black feminine lens and prioritize BIPOC individuals calling for support. 

Difficulty sleeping 

Rates of stress and difficulty sleeping are also more prevalent among transgender people. A lack of sleep can be a risk due to its connectivity to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and poor health. However, athletes who compete at various levels may be particularly concerned about the impact of physical and emotional stress or difficulty sleeping on their participation in their sport of choice.

Getty/Oleg Breslavtsev
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What barriers do transgender athletes face?

Minority stress and discrimination play a significant role in the increased risk of various mental health conditions for trans people, which may be increased for trans athletes. Not only do transgender people face discrimination in housing, the workplace, and at school, but transgender athletes face a significant amount of discrimination in athletics.

Hundreds of active youth and adult sports bans affect transgender athletes who play sports. You can keep track of this legislature on the Freedom for All Americans website. Attempts to ban transgender athletes from participating with the team that best aligns with their gender are not supported by science.

Trans athletes may have more to consider compared to cis teammates. Not only do serious athletes in both individual and team sports strive to be at their personal best when engaging in athletics, but many trans and non-binary athletes face the fear or reality of being restricted from engaging in their sport due to their identity. With lower rates of stable housing, employment, food safety, and the various health risks encountered by cisgender and transgender athletes alike, transgender athletes may face an extraordinary range of co-occurring challenges.

Gender-affirming care, supported childhood social transition, the correct usage of pronouns, and opportunity to change one's legal gender marker or name are all affiliated with lower suicide risk and other improved mental health outcomes. Participation in sports can also improve mental health outcomes. It can be vital to push back against anti-transgender legislation in sports and other areas so that individuals can participate and safeguard their well-being.

How to strengthen your mental health as a transgender athlete

The trans community is often resilient, but the need for resilience among transgender athletes can take a toll. Below are a few ways to strengthen and defend your mental health as a transgender athlete. 

Prioritize your self-care 

Consider taking a break from the news, social media, and other spaces where anti-trans verbiage may be prevalent. Engage in fundamental self-care activities as well as those unique to athletes. Self-care may include getting enough sleep, maintaining sleep hygiene, staying hydrated, and engaging in stress management techniques.

Remember that your health and safety come first. At times, athletes may be asked to put their health and safety above their sport, so consider your mental health in these moments. Ensuring that you have support in place during these times can matter. 

Connect with community 

Research indicates that social support can improve mental health outcomes in trans people. You may be able to find support in the form of a local LGBTQIA+ center, meet-ups and events in your area, online resources for connectivity with other trans people, or support groups, whether in person or remotely.

If you are in a situation where you are misgendered frequently or don't have supportive friends, teammates, and family in your life, it can be helpful to find people who understand.

Know your rights

Across the United States, laws vary from location to location and are often evolving. If you face discrimination or harassment, investigate your rights and any legal defenders in your area. Depending on the details of your experience, organizations like the ACLU may be able to help. If you don't live in a trans-friendly location, consider whether you may be able to move. Some trans athletes might consider taking a scholarship or opportunity in another state with trans-friendly legislation. 

Getty/Halfpoint Images

See an affirming therapist or counselor

If you notice the signs of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, experience stress related to athletics and other parts of life, or want to discuss anything on your mind, a therapist or counselor may be able to offer support. As much as stigma can make it challenging to do so, especially as an athlete, it can be vital to reach out when you first notice signs of a problem. 

Get support with online counseling

There are affirming therapists—both online and in-person—who work specifically with the LGBTQIA+ population. Online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp may be uniquely beneficial for athletes who engage in frequent travel, have busy schedules, or might otherwise benefit from receiving remote care. In addition, when you sign up for a platform, you can opt to see a licensed therapist who specializes in working with the LGBTQIA+ population or is part of the community themselves. 

Online therapy platforms can make finding safe, affirming mental health care easier. It may be challenging to find an affirming in-person therapist in some locations. Online therapy is often considered affordable, convenient, and proven as effective as in-person care for concerns like depression.

Takeaway

Trans athletes face unique mental health risks and may benefit from extra support. If you're a trans athlete and aren't sure where to go for support, consider reaching out to a licensed LGBT-affirming therapy online or in your area for guidance. You're not alone, and support is available.
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