“Baby, Please Don’t Change”: Transitioning Squared, Transgender in College

Abstract

Despite more visibility in recent years, transgender youth continue to experience exposure to societal pressure and trauma, which impacts their mental health and causes higher rates of mental illness and substance abuse. When ignored, untreated symptoms interfere with academic success as well as self-care. The chapter describes the case of a transgender male with several comorbid diagnosis and family stressors that significantly impair his ability to focus in school. In this particular case, the student had no previous mental health treatment, and family and student never realized how important a transition plan for college is and what resources were available on campus. When his mental health began to unravel, it progressed quickly, and endangered his safety. Discussion focused on the importance of involving family, as well as the difficulties of doing so, and helping students advocate for themselves. Failure to do so may result in delayed care and poor prognosis.