Lost in Trans Nation with Dr. Miriam Grossman | The Lila Rose Podcast E45

Summary

In this video, Dr. Miriam Grossman, a child psychiatrist, discusses the rising phenomenon of children experiencing gender dysphoria, often influenced by social contagion, especially in online communities. She shares the story of a young girl who, during COVID-19, was drawn into a group of transitioning peers on Discord and sought medical transition. Through the support of her parents and Dr. Grossman, the girl overcame her struggles with anxiety and depression, ultimately desisting from her desire to transition. Dr. Grossman stresses the importance of parental involvement, managing internet use, and being proactive to prevent such crises.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social media and online communities play a significant role in influencing children's gender identity, often leading to social contagion where they adopt new beliefs and behaviors.
• 😀 Early intervention is crucial for preventing children from transitioning or experiencing severe mental health crises. Parents should be proactive and prepare before the situation escalates.
• 😀 The influence of peers, especially those online, can lead children to feel isolated and seek drastic changes in their gender identity, often based on misinformation.
• 😀 Proper monitoring of children's internet use and being aware of harmful platforms like Discord can prevent exposure to radical ideas and unhealthy relationships.
• 😀 A focus on supporting children’s mental health with medication and therapy can help them overcome underlying issues like anxiety and depression, making them more resilient to social pressures.
• 😀 Engaging children in healthy activities, such as taking responsibility for pets, can help them reconnect with their true selves and reduce time spent in virtual spaces.
• 😀 The majority of children experiencing gender confusion due to social influences can eventually 'desist' or revert to their original gender identity with the right support and care.
• 😀 Dr. Miriam Grossman’s book, *Lost in Translation*, offers valuable insights and guidance for parents navigating the modern mental health and gender identity crisis affecting children.
• 😀 Parents should educate themselves and understand that no family is immune to the challenges posed by social media and modern cultural pressures around gender identity.
• 😀 Gender clinics can sometimes be too quick to push transition as the solution, neglecting to explore other potential underlying causes for gender dysphoria, such as mental health issues or social contagion.

Q & A

What is Dr. Grossman's perspective on the role of the internet in children's gender identity struggles?

Dr. Grossman highlights the influence of online platforms like Discord, where children may be exposed to unhealthy ideologies and social contagion. These platforms often facilitate interactions with individuals, including adults posing as peers, which can lead to children adopting new, potentially harmful identities, such as transitioning to a different gender.

How did Dr. Grossman help the girl who identified as a boy after being influenced by online communities?

Dr. Grossman worked with the girl to disconnect from harmful online communities, treated her underlying mental health issues, and helped her rebuild healthy relationships with her family. By focusing on restoring her mental well-being and engaging in healthy activities, such as taking care of a puppy, the girl slowly rediscovered her authentic self.

What is the importance of early intervention when dealing with gender identity issues in children?

Early intervention is crucial in preventing children from being swept up in social contagion or adopting unhealthy identities. Dr. Grossman emphasizes that parents must be proactive in addressing these issues before they escalate, ensuring that children receive appropriate mental health care and guidance to prevent long-term harm.

What role do parents play in helping their children navigate gender identity challenges?

Parents are central to guiding their children through the complexities of gender identity issues. They need to be informed, engaged, and prepared to intervene when necessary. This includes monitoring internet use, seeking professional help when needed, and providing emotional support to counterbalance external pressures.

What is the significance of Dr. Grossman's book *Lost in Translation*?

Dr. Grossman’s book, *Lost in Translation: A Child Psychiatrist’s Guide Out of the Madness*, is a resource aimed at helping parents understand the current challenges facing their children in relation to gender identity and mental health. The book provides insights into how to protect children from social contagion and how to navigate the overwhelming pressures associated with these issues.

How did Dr. Grossman’s patient come to identify as a boy, and what influenced this decision?

Dr. Grossman’s patient, a girl already dealing with psychological issues, was influenced by a group of girls she met online, who identified as boys and were transitioning. This led her to believe she was a boy as well, and she eventually sought medical intervention, such as blockers, despite her family’s shock.

What did Dr. Grossman recommend to the parents in order to prevent further escalation of their child’s gender identity confusion?

Dr. Grossman recommended that the parents take proactive steps to limit their child's internet use, seek professional psychiatric care, and work on rebuilding healthy relationships and activities outside of the online world. She also emphasized the importance of treating underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

What is Dr. Grossman’s opinion on the aggressive approach used by some gender clinics towards parents?

Dr. Grossman criticizes the aggressive tactics sometimes used by gender clinics, such as pressuring parents to immediately accept their child’s new gender identity. She shared an example where a clinic immediately asked parents for their child’s new pronouns and name, which shocked them. She believes such approaches can be harmful and need to be approached with more caution.

What is the main goal of Dr. Grossman’s work in relation to children and gender identity?

Dr. Grossman’s main goal is to educate parents about the dangers of social contagion, the importance of early intervention, and the need to address underlying mental health issues. She wants to provide a safe, informed environment for children to explore their identities without rushing into irreversible decisions.

What advice does Dr. Grossman give to parents about preparing for challenges related to gender identity?

Dr. Grossman advises parents to stay informed, monitor their children's online activities, and be prepared to intervene early if their child shows signs of confusion or distress regarding gender identity. She stresses that no family is immune to these challenges and that parents must take proactive steps to prevent their children from falling into harmful social pressures.