Transgender woman Kathy Mansfield shares her experience of depression at the age of 62, right at the cusp of her gender journey. We learn through Kathy’s living experience that as well as feeling liberated from living authentically, there are unique challenges some older adults face when transitioning.
Kathy is from rural Victoria, and she’s now in her late 70s. She lives with her wife who she’s been married to for just over 50 years.
Kathy applied her own experience to develop a resource to support older people changing their gender identity or expression. It’s called Ripplegrams, and it recognises that relationships with intimate partners, siblings, children and grandchildren can all be impacted when a person changes their gender identity or expression. The resource helps people plan for these changes and recognise the intended and unintended consequences of transition in families.
The themes raised in this episode include depression and suicide.
Please take care when listening to this episode and seek support if needed. Below are contacts and links to mental health support services (Australia-wide):
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au
- Older Persons Mental Health Services – Check with your local health district
- Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 | Support for those caring for older adults
- Head to Health – www.headtohealth.gov.au for finding local mental health services
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