Transgenders trained in coping with mental health challenges

PESHAWAR: A nine months training for transgender persons in mental health and psycho-social support has been completed. It was meant for empowering the vulnerable segment of society to properly handle psychological stress and depression.

The training was conducted by Handicap International, an organisation working in collaboration with GIZ for support of people with disabilities and vulnerable populations.The training focused on the mental health of transgender community who faced neglect and deprivation causing psychological stress and depression, said Daud Rahim, the trainer.

During the training, the participants were educated about handling mental stress, decision making, counselling skills, communication skills, self care, etc. They were also imparted training on Psychological First Aid (PFA) which can be conveyed to other members of the community.

The PFA training has enhanced the capacity of the transgender in conflict resolution, decision making, problem solving and listening skills, the trainer told the Associated Press of Pakistan. He said some physical exercises were also done by participants through which the mental stress and depression can be reduced.

About the objectives of training, Project Officer, Rehan Liaqat said that transgender were highly marginalized community and due to deprivation in society and system, they were passing through a difficult phase of mental stress and psychological trauma.

The mental and psychosocial training helped raise awareness among the trans community of breaking the status quo and learning different skills to opt for a respectful source of livelihood.Around 20 transgender selected for training expressed the resolve to come out from dependency syndrome of acting in pursuance of the desire of their gurus after learning the skills.

“We want to lead a normal life and for this purpose need support to learn some skills for breaking the status quo,” comments Devia, a trans person and beneficiary of the training. The training has created a sense of independence in ourselves and a passion for resolving our problems on our own without depending on someone, Devia said of her experience.

She said the trans community wanted to find solutions for problems being faced by them but societal norms and mentality of people does not allow them to come out of routine practices.Koko, another beneficiary, demanded acceptance for their gender by society and respectful response from people.

The treatment meted out by people to the trans community has made them mentally ill, forcing them to live in a state of melancholy and dejection, she commented.Katrina, a trans rights activist, commended the initiative taken by Handicap International for steering the transgender community out of a life full of problems, deprivation and disrespect.