Kolkata: A workshop jointly organised by the Department of Psychiatric Social Work at the Institute of Psychiatry–Centre of Excellence under SSKM Hospital and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, on “Queer–Trans Affirmative Mental Healthcare” highlighted data showing that over 55 per cent of LGBTQ individuals report symptoms of depression, while nearly 45 per cent experience anxiety-related conditions.
Among transgender persons, lifetime suicide attempt rates range between 30 per cent and 70 per cent, significantly higher than in the general population. Assistant Professor Mayank Kumar, Head of the Department of Psychiatric Social Work at the Institute of Psychiatry, said the workshop aimed to train mental health professionals in queer–trans affirmative, evidence-based care.
It focused on equipping psychiatrists, psychiatric social workers and clinical psychologists with the skills needed to respond sensitively and effectively to the needs of LGBTQ individuals, particularly in view of their heightened vulnerabilities.
The workshop emphasised the need to mainstream queer–trans affirmative training across mental health disciplines, build safe and non-judgmental healthcare environments, address discrimination at structural and institutional levels, and strengthen community-based and crisis support systems. Despite clear global guidelines, experts noted the continued presence of unscientific and unethical practices.