What’s going on with me

My name is Owain. I’m transgender and have been struggling because I can’t transition until I’ve been seen by a gender identity service but there is currently a waiting list of a year.

I spend most of my time on social media and have a lot of online friends.

I wanted help so that my mum and I can communicate better and for my mum to accept my gender identity. My mum still refers to me by my previous name.

My state of mind

I was feeling anxious, depressed, and had thoughts about self-harm. I sometimes feel suicidal when there is a breakdown in friendships.

My mum worries about my future. She thinks I don’t know what I want to do in life, and that I have no goal or motivation to want to do anything.

I want to be able to manage my emotional wellbeing so I can live a happy life.

Looking after my well-being

I was referred to the Family Help service after an incident involving the police when I felt like I wanted to harm myself whilst out with friends. My mum agreed to make an appointment with a GP while we waited for an appointment with Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health.

As one of the main reasons for my struggles was my parents not accepting me as transgender. Family Help took steps to make this better.

• My mum was made aware of Trans Awareness Training and the team helped her to support me by meeting with us to discuss what we needed from each other.
• I also wanted to speak to my dad about my gender identity, so my mum and I were given support to write a letter to my dad explaining the situation. By writing the letter together, it helped my relationship with my mum.
• I was referred to Umbrella. They supported me and my family with my gender identity. My college supported me, and now I receive weekly counselling sessions and meet with a well-being officer.
• Family Help also supported me to make a plan of what to do when I feel suicidal. I keep this on my phone so I can see it whenever I need it, wherever I am

Through receiving help, I now feel better able to manage my emotions and feelings of self-harm, and my relationship with my family has improved.

As I am about to turn 18, I have had an adult’s mental health assessment. This makes sure I will continue to get the help I need when I become an adult.