Syrus found assistance with gender identity concerns at the Behavioral Health Network. (BHN PHOTO)
Redefining your identity can be a difficult or frightening experience, especially if you lack a strong support system. Fortunately, at BHN, Syrus has found unparalleled support, compassion, and understanding in every aspect of their gender transition.
Syrus has received several mental health services from BHN in the past six years that have had a significant impact on their life. They regularly see a therapist and psychiatrist at BHN’s Child Guidance Clinic who have helped Syrus in all areas of their life, they say. Syrus’s therapist, Melissa Heckman, helps them sort through complicated emotions and medical decisions but allows Syrus to have the final say; something that they greatly appreciate. “She doesn’t tell me what to do– she lets me figure it out on my own,” they say. “She may hint in one direction, or give suggestions, but she lets my thoughts come together like puzzle pieces.”
Syrus’s psychiatrist is also a key part of their BHN support system and takes the time to listen and learn about Syrus’s life. Before coming to BHN, Syrus had never anticipated that a psychiatrist would be so invested in their care outside of prescribing medication. “In my head, a psychiatrist is just someone who gives you medication and sends you on your way,” they say. “But here, both psychiatrists I’ve had talk to you and want to get to know you.” Having a personal connection with their psychiatrist is important to Syrus, and has made them feel more involved and empowered in medical decisions.
Most recently, Syrus has found assistance and support at BHN throughout the process of changing their name and using ‘they/them’ pronouns. Though the process has been difficult, Syrus has only received encouragement and assistance at BHN. “Everyone has been very, very supportive. They refer to me as what I want to be called and use the pronoun ‘they.’ I’ve never felt judged by anyone in my time here.”
Outside of individual therapy, Syrus has also received services from several other programs offered by BHN. At the beginning of their time at BHN, Syrus was connected to the Therapeutic Mentoring program, which pairs children and youth with a mentor who teaches them important life skills and provides them with essential resources; in Syrus’s case, the program helped them obtain a social security number.
Syrus also took part in the Partial Hospitalization Program, which helps individuals make the transition from hospitalization through intensive group therapy. Though they were initially reluctant to try group therapy– “I didn’t think it would be any help at all”– Syrus says at PHP they found a group of open-minded and supportive therapists who provided helpful resources and emotional outlets. Syrus’s positive experience with PHP also inspired them to participate in art and music therapy groups at BHN, which they say were very beneficial and helped them express their emotions differently.
Syrus urges others who may be nervous to reach out for help to come to BHN. “I know a lot of people are hesitant to come to therapy because they’re scared people will judge them,” they say. “But I would recommend BHN to anyone. They’ve helped me through so many different things in my life.”
