While September’s Suicide Prevention Month raises public awareness of mental health issues, for Deamond Robinson, supporting young people who may be experiencing depression or anxiety is a daily commitment. It’s work.
As a certified peer specialist in mental health at the Empowerment Resource Center (ERC), Robinson helps transgender youth and other LGBTQ youth find resources and mental health support.
She said many transgender youth often experience discrimination from a variety of social and political spaces, even within the LGBTQ community, and many feel safe and protected. He said it was difficult.
The expert focused on transgender students who told him they felt uncomfortable attending the high school.
“She wasn’t comfortable anywhere she used the bathroom,” he said. “She wanted to limit the amount of attention she received…anything that would make her stand out in the crowd.”
He has also seen firsthand the insensitive treatment trans youth receive from their peers, especially trans women.
The effects can lead to poor mental health, including self-harm, depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts.
According to a 2022 national survey conducted by The Trevor Project, 46% of LGBTQ youth in Georgia have seriously considered suicide within the year, including 55% of transgender and nonbinary youth. is included.
Of the 46% that year, 14% had attempted to take their own life in the past 12 months, including 16% of Georgia’s transgender and non-binary youth.
Robinson, who identifies as gay, believes his personal struggle with mental illness and depression allows him to connect with the transgender youth he receives counseling for.
“Using my story and using my real-life experience was really the best way to do it,” he said when asked how he makes people feel comfortable when they come to him. At that time he said:
“I’ve been through a lot of these traumatic experiences in my life. I know what I needed in that moment, the questions I needed to ask…’How can I help?’ How can I support you? Want to talk about it? ‘It gives them the space to decide if they want to talk about it or if they’re suicidal,’ he says.
Robinson and the ERC also work closely with Lost and Found, an LGBTQ youth shelter that houses residents ages 18 to 24 who are often abandoned by their families because of their identity.
In the partnership, both organizations strive to provide resources such as clothing, skills training, and financial management.
Experts say one of the most difficult resources to secure includes providing appropriate gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Many of these issues are part of Senate Bill 140, a statewide law passed last year that bans gender reassignment surgery for transgender minors and makes it more difficult for minors to receive hormone therapy. This is considered to be the cause.
“Finding those resources is [and] “Finding an organization to provide that resource is a barrier, and that’s very sad,” he said. “They’re just trying to live their authentic expression, and having to jump through hoops and barriers to get the care they deserve is one of the worst parts of providing care for transgender youth. This is one of the major difficulties.”
Robinson added that it is always rewarding to see the mental and emotional growth of those he has helped, despite the adversity they experience.
“It’s really amazing to be able to see people make their own choices and actively grow and heal and thrive,” he said.
“It’s not about me. It’s not about the services I provide. It’s about their own personal growth and being able to achieve their goals and advocate for themselves.” he added.
When asked what advice he would give to LGBTQ youth who are currently experiencing homelessness, depression, or suicidal thoughts, Robinson shared a few words that have had a profound impact on his life.
“This too shall pass. I know that was a word I had to live with,” he said. “This situation will not only pass, but you will be able to dream big. You will be able to live the life you have always wanted to live. You are worthy of love… and someone who will love and support you.” It’s okay to find your own family and community.”
And when asked about how others can strive to be allies to young people who identify as transgender and non-binary, the key is simple: Just like everyone else. Treat them with kindness and respect, he said.
“You can impact someone’s life just by being positive,” he said.
