The 41 % figure is usually a mix-up between attempts and deaths
Headlines often say “41 % of trans people commit suicide,” but the number comes from a single survey that counted attempts, not completed suicides. Detransitioners point out that the same figure is then applied to children, teens and adults without distinction. “I’ve seen that same number applied to those that attempt and those that succeed. It seems to be a blanket number used to pre-teens, post-teens, pre-adults, and post adults.” – SedatedApe61 source [citation:1539d973-63b1-460a-bc20-2f3d9f2dd5fc] In reality, the risk of actually dying by suicide is far lower, and most studies don’t compare trans people to their own pre-transition numbers, so we can’t tell whether transition changes long-term risk.

High suicidality is tied to other mental-health struggles
Many detransitioners note that distress often comes from depression, anxiety, or past trauma, not simply from “being trans.” One user observed, “the average trans person has 3 mental-health diagnoses… that number is alarming and could be a major factor in suicide attempts, not being trans itself.” – BigGayThrow-Away source [citation:6658a69d-8543-4673-882d-0f8d71d5ab13] Because these conditions can raise suicide risk in any group, focusing only on gender identity can miss the larger picture of what actually needs support.

Short studies hide rising risk over time
Research that follows people for only a year or two can look reassuring, but longer follow-ups tell a different story. A major Swedish study found suicide mortality increased sharply after ten years among people who had medically transitioned. “Most studies that suggest puberty-blockers etc. only look at short-term results.” – CoolEmployment5080 source [citation:f2eb122a-7c5d-4698-afa6-d56fd6f318ab] Without decades of data, we can’t know whether medical steps truly lower lifetime risk.

The fear narrative can push people toward hasty medical choices
When adults, teachers or doctors repeat the 41 % threat, young people often feel they must transition immediately or die. “People, children, have been encouraged to transition out of fear of suicide.” – cavemanben source [citation:017af58b-c6f0-4133-93c3-ba8974e5f934] This urgency can drown out safer, non-medical supports such as therapy for depression, family counseling, or simply giving someone room to explore gender non-conformity without drugs or surgery.

Conclusion
The oft-quoted suicide statistic is not as straightforward—or as useful—as it appears. Suicidality in people struggling with gender dysphoria is heavily shaped by other mental-health challenges, and long-term evidence does not clearly show that medical transition reduces overall risk. A clearer, kinder approach is to address each person’s full mental-health picture—offering therapy, community, and the freedom to be gender non-conforming—without rushing to irreversible medical steps. Understanding the data honestly is the first step toward real support and lasting well-being.