Mental Health Challenges of Transgender Athletes in Sports
Understanding The Mental Health Of Transgender Athletes in Therapy
If you’re an LGBTQ+ youth or young adult in crisis, contact The Trevor Project hotline by calling 1-866-488-7386 or texting “START” to 678-678. You can also use their online chat.
Sports participation offers numerous benefits—boosting confidence, providing self-care, and creating social connections. For many athletes, however, their chosen sport represents much more than just physical activity. It may be their career path, their ticket to higher education through scholarships, or a fundamental aspect of their identity. Unfortunately, transgender athletes frequently encounter barriers that their cisgender peers don’t have to navigate.
Understanding these challenges and their potential impact on transgender mental health is crucial for everyone, regardless of gender identity. As anti-trans legislation continues to be introduced and passed globally, it’s essential to foster conversations about creating fair, inclusive policies that welcome transgender athletes.
Mental health challenges facing transgender athletes
Mental health has historically been an underaddressed topic in athletics. The stigma surrounding mental health concerns can significantly impact all athletes, leading to emotional suppression and other negative consequences.
Depression rates among college athletes range from 15.6% to 21%, while the prevalence of depression and anxiety among elite athletes reaches 34%. Athletes also face elevated risks of developing eating disorders—a concern that’s already prevalent within the transgender community.
Research shows that transgender individuals experience higher rates of various mental health conditions compared to the general population:
Substance use disorders
Studies indicate transgender people have an increased vulnerability to substance use disorders (SUDs).
Depression and anxiety
Transgender individuals are up to six times more likely to experience mood or anxiety disorders than the general population. Major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder are particularly common.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The transgender community shows higher rates of PTSD diagnoses, potentially due to increased exposure to traumatic experiences, including intimate partner violence and adverse childhood experiences.
Eating disorders
Approximately 54% of LGBTQIA+ adolescents have received an eating disorder diagnosis, with another 21% suspecting they’ve met the criteria at some point. Additionally, 67.2% of gender-nonconforming and transgender adults report basing their self-worth on weight—a concerning statistic when combined with the body image pressures already prevalent in athletic environments.
Suicide risk
Over 50% of transgender and non-binary youth aged 13 to 24 have seriously considered suicide. Transgender adults also face significantly higher suicide risks compared to 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.
Sleep difficulties
Transgender individuals experience higher rates of stress and sleep problems. Sleep deprivation is linked to serious health conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. For athletes who compete at various levels, sleep difficulties can be particularly concerning due to their potential impact on athletic performance and recovery.
Barriers facing transgender athletes
Minority stress and discrimination significantly contribute to the increased mental health risks for transgender individuals, and these challenges may be amplified for transgender athletes. Beyond the discrimination transgender people face in housing, employment, and education, transgender athletes encounter substantial discrimination within sports environments.
Currently, hundreds of active youth and adult sports bans affect transgender athletes. You can monitor this legislation on the Freedom for All Americans website. It’s important to note that efforts to prevent transgender athletes from participating with teams aligned with their gender identity are not supported by scientific evidence.
Transgender athletes often face additional considerations compared to their cisgender teammates. While all serious athletes strive for peak performance, many transgender and non-binary athletes must also contend with the fear or reality of being barred from their sport due to their identity. Combined with higher rates of housing instability, employment discrimination, food insecurity, and the health risks all athletes face, transgender athletes may navigate an extraordinary range of simultaneous challenges.
Research shows that gender-affirming care, supported childhood social transition, correct pronoun usage, and the ability to change legal gender markers or names are all associated with lower suicide risk and improved mental health outcomes. Sports participation itself can enhance mental health. Therefore, opposing anti-transgender legislation in sports and other areas is vital to allow individuals to participate fully while protecting their well-being.
Supporting your mental health as a transgender athlete
While the transgender community often demonstrates remarkable resilience, the constant need for resilience among transgender athletes can be exhausting. Here are strategies to strengthen and protect your mental health as a transgender athlete:
Prioritize self-care
Consider limiting exposure to news, social media, and other spaces where anti-trans rhetoric is common. Engage in fundamental self-care practices as well as athlete-specific wellness activities. This includes maintaining good sleep hygiene, staying hydrated, and developing effective stress management techniques.
Remember that your health and safety must come first. Sometimes athletes face difficult choices between their sport and their wellbeing—in these moments, prioritizing mental health is essential. Having support systems in place during challenging times can make a significant difference.
Connect with community
Research shows that social support can improve mental health outcomes for transgender individuals. Seek support through local LGBTQIA+ centers, community events, online resources connecting you with other transgender people, or support groups (either in-person or virtual).
Finding people who understand your experience is particularly important if you frequently encounter misgendering or lack supportive relationships with friends, teammates, or family members.
Know your rights
Laws affecting transgender individuals vary by location and continue to evolve. If you experience discrimination or harassment, research your rights and seek legal resources in your area. Organizations like the ACLU may offer assistance depending on your situation. If you live in an area with restrictive policies, consider whether relocation is feasible. Some transgender athletes might explore scholarship opportunities or positions in states with transgender-supportive legislation.
Work with an affirming therapist
If you notice signs of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, experience stress related to athletics or other aspects of life, or simply want a safe space to discuss your experiences, working with a therapist can provide valuable support. Despite the stigma that might make seeking help challenging, especially as an athlete, it’s important to reach out at the first signs of distress.
How ReachLink supports transgender athletes
Finding affirming mental health care is crucial for transgender individuals, including athletes. ReachLink’s telehealth therapy services connect you with licensed clinical social workers who understand the unique challenges faced by transgender athletes.
Our virtual therapy platform offers several advantages for athletes with demanding schedules, frequent travel commitments, or those living in areas with limited access to affirming in-person care. When you sign up with ReachLink, you can specify your preference for a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals or who identifies as part of the community themselves.
ReachLink’s telehealth platform makes accessing safe, affirming mental health care simpler and more convenient. Our services are designed to be accessible, flexible, and effective in addressing concerns like depression, anxiety, and the specific challenges faced by transgender athletes.
Takeaway
Transgender athletes face unique mental health challenges and often benefit from specialized support. If you’re a transgender athlete seeking guidance, consider connecting with ReachLink’s licensed LGBTQIA+-affirming clinical social workers through our convenient telehealth platform. Remember that you’re not alone, and appropriate support is available to help you navigate both your athletic pursuits and your mental health journey.
