Study finds peer-support model benefits mental health of transgender persons

A new study by The George Institute for Global Health, India, has found that a peer-support model significantly improved the mental health and wellbeing of transgender persons in Delhi NCR. The two-year project, “Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing among Transgender Persons (Manthan Project),” was funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and implemented between January 2024 and December 2025.

The study enrolled 62 transgender participants who took part in a 12-month structured peer-support intervention from September 2024 to August 2025. The programme consisted of 24 modules designed to help participants understand and manage stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, anger, and also promoting coping techniques such as guided imagery, grounding exercises, and box breathing.

The results indicate clear improvements in mental health outcomes. Depression scores reduced from a mean of 13.0 at baseline to 7.0 at the end of the intervention, while anxiety scores fell from 11.2 to 6.0. Quality of life scores also improved from an average of 48.6 to 57.8. The programme recorded a retention rate of more than 90 percent across sessions, demonstrating high acceptability within the community.

The findings were presented at a dissemination event held in New Delhi on 9^th December 2025, which brought together researchers, policymakers, and community representatives to discuss the evidence and explore pathways for policy integration. The discussions featured experts from ICMR, IHBAS, and NISD alongside study participants who shared their lived experiences.

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The findings underline the importance of community-led approaches. The results reinforce that peer-support models, when rooted in lived experience, can make a measurable difference to mental health outcomes among transgender persons. Such initiatives build trust and resilience while addressing stigma and isolation.

By:

Dr. Y. K. Sandhya

Programme Lead, Mental Health, The George Institute for Global Health, India

Adding his perspective, Prof. Pallab Maulik, Director of Research, The George Institute for Global Health, India, spoke about the need to address structural stigma and normalise inclusion.

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Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to care. It is not only social but also structural, embedded in how systems function. That needs to change. Professionals and peers both have a role in offering safe, empathetic spaces for transgender persons to access care. The goal should be to create environments where transgender people are seen as part of the larger community, not apart from it.

By:

Prof. Pallab Maulik

The national consultation featured two insightful panel discussions and a keynote address by Dr. R. Giriraj, Senior Deputy Director, Transgender Division at the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. In his address, he spoke about the importance of inclusion and dignity for transgender persons. He said,

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Transgender people face challenges that begin at home and extend into society. What they need most is acceptance and respect, not sympathy. They are strong, independent and can contribute meaningfully to nation building. The Ministry is working to raise awareness among key groups like the police, judiciary and health professionals, and to expand access to employment, recreation and mental health services. Our helpline 14427 and Tele-MANAS counselling are steps in that direction.

By:

Dr. R. Giriraj

The first panel discussion, “Participants’ experiences” featured participants from the transgender community who shared their experiences of being part of the Manthan project. They spoke about the importance of having safe spaces to express emotions, learning to manage stress and anger, and discovering a renewed sense of confidence through peer interactions. The participants reflected on how the sessions encouraged self-acceptance, empathy and mutual support, helping them build stronger connections within the community and view themselves beyond their gender identities.

The second panel discussion, “Policy Pathways”, featured Dr. Apoorva Sharma, Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Prof. Om Prakash, Deputy Medical Superintendent and Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Prof. Pallab Maulik, Director of Research, The George Institute for Global Health, India, and Rekha Dixit, Associate Editor at IIT Madras’ Shaastra magazine. This session focused on the need for inclusive and affordable mental health care, sensitisation of medical and media professionals, family involvement, and evidence-based models like Manthan to guide future interventions.

In this session, speaking on the role of evidence-based research in addressing health challenges for the transgender community, Dr. Apoorva Sharma, Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said on behalf of Dr Sumit Aggarwal Scientist and Program Officer, ICMR.

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Manthan is an important step beyond traditional research. It connects evidence to lived experience and shows how simple, community-based models can build trust and resilience. At ICMR, we are committed to supporting research that strengthens inclusion. Our study on mpox showed that only 52.4 percent of transgender persons have ID cards and 40 percent have insurance coverage. The same study also gave evidence on the stigma and marginalization associated with the community. Projects like Manthan help generate the kind of evidence needed to guide policies that can change these realities.

By:

Dr. Apoorva Sharma

Prof. Om Prakash, Deputy Medical Superintendent and Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), spoke about the importance of family support and understanding in promoting mental health.

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When we treat mental health conditions, we are not only treating individuals but also supporting their families, as mental illness affects everyone around the person. For transgender people, this struggle is even more difficult. There are many painful stories, and we want families to walk beside them. At IHBAS, we are ready to support initiatives such as Manthan, and we welcome transgender persons to come forward and share their needs so that we can design care models that truly reflect their lives.

By:

Prof. Om Prakash

During the event, The George Institute also announced the upcoming “Together Against Stigma” conference, to be held in partnership with AIIMS and UNICEF India from November 12–14, 2026, which will continue the dialogue on inclusive and equitable mental health practices.

The Manthan study adds to a growing body of research emphasising the role of peer support and social connectedness in improving psychological wellbeing. It highlights the need for scalable, community-driven mental health interventions that can effectively reach and support marginalised groups.