All Are Welcome and Accepted at Center Street Psychology

Hi everyone, and welcome back to our blog! Given the recent proposed changes in the legislature regarding bans on actions that are gender-affirming for trans youth (such as schools having to notify parents if a student under 16 changes their name and/or pronouns, as well as a ban on hormone replacement therapy for youth under 17 who have not yet begun treatment), it seems timely to discuss how these actions might have a negative effect on multiple individuals mental health, wellness, and safety

At Center Street Psychology we are an affirming and all-inclusive clinic, with therapists who have experience providing support to a wide range of clients.

For context, studies have shown that transgender youth are at a significantly higher risk of mental health issues. For example, a 2017 study showed that almost three-quarters of 14-18-year-old transgender boys/men, and half of transgender girls/women of the same age, had self-harmed at least once in the last year. Transgender youth are more likely to experience interpersonal violence, to experience homelessness, and to experience higher levels of suicidal ideation.

These factors increase when youth are located in a rural setting instead of urban centres. According to Stats Canada, only 34% of people who identified as transgender for their study reported excellent, very good, or good mental health. Research has also shown that there are many co-occurring disorders with gender dysphoria, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance misuse. Gender dysphoria can also have negative effects on objective things such as school attendance or the ability to function at work. Teen years can be challenging as the onset of puberty which is inconsistent with experienced gender can be incredibly distressing (menstruating or developing breasts, voice changes, or facial hair).

Want to know more?

 If you are local to Calgary/Alberta, Skipping Stone Foundation has resources for transgender people at different points in their journey: https://www.skippingstone.ca/

 If you or someone you know is transgender and is struggling, visit: https://translifeline.org/ - they provide trans peer support and connection.

 The CHEW Project in Edmonton: https://www.ualberta.ca/fyrefly-institute/programs-and-services/chew-project.html

Resources for Individuals

 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline offers support that is:

• bilingual

• trauma-informed

• culturally appropriate

• available to anyone in Canada

 2-1-1 Alberta: They can connect you with resources to help with basic needs, healthcare, disability services, support groups, counselling and more.

2-1-1 Alberta

Call 2-1-1 or text INFO to 2-1-1.

• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Crisis support and virtual services

• Connect to local mental health and addiction services

 Brite Line: 1-844-702-7483

 Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566

 Distress Line (Edmonton Region): 780-482-4357

 First Nations and Inuit Hope For Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310

 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

 Trans Life Line: 1-877-330-6366

 Rural Distress Line: 1-800-232-7288

 Youth Line: Call: 1-800-268-9688 Text: 657-694-4275

Please reach out to us at Center Street Psychology, as we provide uniquely tailored therapeutic plans and interventions to support you and collaborate on your personal goals. We are an inclusive clinic, located in Calgary, Alberta that provides in-person and virtual psychological services across Canada in the evenings and weekends. Please text or call 403-399-5120 to talk to our Director of Client Care, Amy, who will guide you through the intake process.

Written by: Lindsay Mcnena