Does depression alleviate after you start transitioning?

[Tracytron]

Does depression start to dissipate once you start transitioning? I'm a 17 year old genderfluid translesbian (Use She/Her for me please) and have been on medications for my depression literally since I was 7 (I'm not even exagerating)
I've switched medications countless times but it never helps, and since I realised I was trans I've been wondering if maybe that has something to do with why it's not working or if transitioning will help with it?

[paddyanne]

Hi Tracytron. Like the name you have chosen. At 17 you have made a decision, which must've been difficult. Congrats to you for having the courage. My initial question is have you discussed the meds fully to understand how they work, length of time before you feel the benefits etc? If the treating Dr has agreed to change, he/she should've told you more about the effects of changing. Are you comfortable with yourself, do you have issues with mates re: your decision to transition? Depression can be caused by multiple problems in life. If the meds are in conjunction with the transition, it's possible the hormone's are affected. Hormonal issues cause all sorts of problems with growing up, whether we are LGBT, or not. The gender isn't the subject, the hormones could be causing the depression you're dealing with. I suggest you see your Dr and get your hormones checked to see how your transition is affecting. A simple blood test will determine hormonal issues. Take care and good luck

[Tracytron]

I’ve usually only ever had my meds changed once a year at most (But again, I’ve been taking them since I was 7 and I’m 17 now) so my body has always had more than enough time to adjust to them but it’s never helped, and I haven’t actually started transitioning yet. My mother refuses to even look into it and my therapist isn’t helping with it at all. I don’t think I’m gonna be able to transition until I’m 18 and even then probably not with the absolutely ridiculous waiting times there are.

[paddyanne]

Hi again Tracytron. Any meds can take time to adjust to. Changing on an annual basis isn't really good. Sometimes you have to see the Dr several times before you really adjust. Sounds as though your mum hasn't accepted your decision. Have you thought about seeing a therapist who specializes in LGBT, transition. Not sure what the law is in relation to changing gender. Maybe a lawyer could advise. You have the right also to change Dr's, if you're unhappy with your present medical problems. Another Dr (fresh blood) may be able to check your meds to see about changing/adjusting.