The term "transition" refers to a process that occurs when an individual goes from one state of being to another. Transition can be applied to many areas of life including physical, mental, emotional, social, professional, spiritual, and relational aspects. Psychologists have defined it as a period of time where individuals undergo major changes in their lives that affect them personally and professionally. One area that has been studied extensively is how access to affirming healthcare and social support influences psychological well-being during transition. This article will explore this concept further and discuss its implications for those going through transitions.
Transitions are often accompanied by feelings of uncertainty, stress, anxiety, fear, confusion, depression, anger, resentment, loneliness, and other negative emotions. These emotions may result in increased levels of self-doubt, decreased motivation, difficulty making decisions, lack of focus, reduced productivity, and interference with daily functioning. Individuals may also experience symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, stomach aches, heart palpitations, fatigue, appetite changes, mood swings, or substance use. When these symptoms persist beyond two weeks they can lead to clinical diagnoses such as adjustment disorder (AD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In order to understand how access to affirming healthcare and social support influences psychological well-being during transition we must first define what "affirming" means. Affirming refers to the acceptance, validation, support, and celebration of an individual's identity regardless of their sex, sexuality, eroticism, intimacy, or relationship status. It includes access to accurate information about available resources, confidentiality policies, non-judgmental attitudes, empathetic listening skills, competent knowledge of LGBTQ+ topics/issues, and willingness to provide referrals to additional services if needed.
Access to affirming healthcare is critical because it provides individuals with a safe space where they can discuss their experiences without feeling judged or shamed for who they are. This allows them to feel heard, understood, validated, supported, empowered, and accepted which has been shown to improve mental health outcomes.
Having a trusting relationship with a provider enables individuals to develop positive coping strategies that help them navigate difficult emotions associated with change.
Affirming care can be used to address any physical or mental health concerns related to transitioning including depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, and hormone imbalances.
Social support also plays an important role in psychological well-being during transition as it can buffer against negative effects of isolation and stigma. Social networks are composed of family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors, community organizations, religious groups, online communities, social media platforms, etc., who offer emotional support through communication and interaction. Access to these networks provides individuals with comfort, encouragement, companionship, validation, validation, and guidance when navigating the transition process. Moreover, research suggests that social support reduces stress levels by providing individuals with a sense of belonging and connectedness while improving overall quality of life.
Access to affirming healthcare and social support can have significant implications on psychological well-being during transition by reducing feelings of uncertainty, increasing feelings of acceptance and self-esteem, promoting resilience skills, alleviating symptoms associated with adjustment disorders/PTSD, and improving overall quality of life. Therefore it is crucial for individuals going through transitions to seek out both types of supports whenever possible so they can better cope with this challenging period in their lives.
How does access to affirming healthcare and social support influence psychological well-being during transition?
The availability of affirming healthcare services and adequate social support can positively impact psychological well-being during gender transition by reducing stress, boosting self-confidence, enhancing identity integration, and improving physical and mental health outcomes. Transgender individuals who receive appropriate medical care, including hormone therapy and surgical interventions, often experience a sense of relief from their discomfort with their bodies and an increase in overall life satisfaction.