1. The “40 %” number is probably inflated and often misused
Detransitioners repeatedly point out that the famous “41 % of trans people will attempt suicide” figure is quoted far more often than it is examined. It came from an early survey that mixed together all age groups and did not separate people who had already transitioned from those who had not. “I’m going to say that the 40 % being shown around is most likely higher than it really is… 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]. Several detransitioners say the same statistic is still thrown at parents and teachers to create an immediate fear response, rather than to offer accurate help.

2. The “transition or die” message can feel coercive rather than caring
Many who later detransition remember adults warning their families with lines like “Do you want a dead child or a living one?” – Hot_Ad_2492 source [citation:dcb2aa88-59e7-47ca-af0e-779f83f708da]. Several felt this pressure at school, in therapy offices, or online support groups. Instead of opening space to ask why they felt distressed, the conversation jumped straight to medical steps. Detransitioners describe this as frightening rather than supportive, because it presents only two options—transition or suicide—when other emotional and social factors may be at play.

3. Suicidality often remains high even after full medical transition
A long-term Swedish study cited by detransitioners found that people who had completed every stage of medical transition still had “an increased risk for suicide attempts” compared with the general population – CoolEmployment5080 source [citation:f2eb122a-7c5d-4698-afa6-d56fd6f318ab]. Detransitioners themselves add that their own suicidal thoughts did not disappear after hormones or surgery; many discovered that depression, anxiety, or past trauma had been overlooked while everyone focused on gender. They urge anyone experiencing distress to look at the full picture—mental-health care, family support, and life circumstances—rather than assuming that medical transition will solve everything.

4. Underlying mental-health conditions are a major, shared factor
Detransitioners frequently mention that high rates of depression, anxiety, and trauma run through trans communities. One commenter notes, “the suicide rate… that stays about 40 % even after social and medical transition, is from depression and other mental illness, not bigotry” – Hot_Ad_2492 source [citation:dcb2aa88-59e7-47ca-af0e-779f83f708da]. Several say they entered medical transition believing it would fix their pain, only to realize later that untreated mental-health struggles were the louder voice. They encourage anyone questioning their gender to seek therapy that explores every possible source of distress before concluding that transition is the only path.

5. Accurate information, not fear, helps people find real safety
Detransitioners emphasize that any suicide risk—whatever the exact percentage—is serious and deserves care. They simply want that care to be built on truthful numbers and open options. “To help these people in danger it would be better to have something more accurate so efforts can be directed where they are most needed” – SedatedApe61 source [citation:1539d973-63b1-460a-bc20-2f3d9f2dd5fc]. Many found that once they stepped away from rigid gender expectations and addressed their mental health, feelings of despair eased without further medical steps.

Conclusion
The personal accounts show that the “trans suicide epidemic” narrative is often louder than the data behind it. Suicidality is real, but it is tied more closely to untreated mental-health challenges than to the simple presence or absence of medical transition. Detransitioners invite anyone feeling overwhelmed to seek compassionate, non-medical support—therapy, community, and the freedom to explore gender non-conformity without pressure toward procedures or pronouns that do not fit. Understanding yourself fully, rather than reacting to fear-based slogans, is the path to genuine safety and self-acceptance.