Queer people and those around them have become far more aware of gender identity and sexual orientation over the last five years, counsellors and psychiatrists in Bengaluru told The Hindu. Yet doctors are seeing more people come in for the mandatory counselling that precedes gender reassignment surgery than for help with gender dysphoria and the stress and anxiety that come with it.
Therapy begins well before 18
Surgery is not performed on anyone under 18, so most people seeking pre-surgery counselling are between 16 and 18 years old.
"Sexual development begins from the age of 8-9 years now, and by the age of 15-16 years, we see patients come in for counselling. Since the surgery is possible only after they turn 18, they take psychotherapy until then. In the last one year, we have seen an increase in the number of queer people who seek psychotherapy. We see at least 1 to 3 clients every week now," said Dr. Deeksha Chadha, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at Cadabams Group.
Doctors noted that most people who come to them are on the transgender spectrum. Some come later, in their late twenties or early thirties, after finding a partner and deciding to transition.
The mental health concerns that go unaddressed
Anxiety, depression, stress and substance use are common among people with gender dysphoria. Teenagers often come in with one of these symptoms, and gender dysphoria is identified only later. Doctors also said many queer people prefer online therapy or specialised clinics over large or government hospitals because of the stigma attached to queerness.
Family acceptance remains the biggest hurdle
"If we see 60 young patients who are queer, around 20-25 of them are accompanied by their parents. Out of them, around 10 parents accept who their children are and stand by them. The mothers of the children are usually aware of the queerness, but acceptance remains a problem," Dr. Chadha said.
Young people coming out often lack support even from close family and friends. Doctors urged queer people to seek care for their mental health, not just the pre-requisite therapy, and pointed to psychiatry departments in medical colleges and District Mental Health Programmes across Karnataka as places to start.
Support at Cadabam's Hospitals
Questioning your gender identity, or supporting a child who is, can feel isolating. Cadabam's Hospitals offers confidential, queer-affirmative counselling and psychotherapy for individuals and families, including care for anxiety and depression. Our team is here to help.