The mental health issues of eunuchs

[NaturalEunuch]

I found this study of eunuchs in Pakistan to be quite disturbing. My life is nothing like theirs. I guess these people are hijara? Don't know.

The mental health issues of eunuchs in the context of social exclusion

Rubina Bibi,1 Syeda Farhana Kazmi,2 Tahir Pervaiz,3 Rabia Bashir4

Abstract
Objective: To study the mental health problems in eunuchs, the neglected segment that has been facing social exclusion and exploitation on behalf of social layers of the society.
Method: The study was conducted from Jan 2017 to April 2017and adopted a qualitative approach by engaging eight eunuchs' group purposefully through focussed group discussion to unearth the issues related to eunuchs in Hazara Division. The participants were informed in detail, about the purpose of the study and their consent was conferred. The discussion was recorded in local language and their views were transcribed and analysed by comparative statements for drawing results through coding of the target groups.
Results: The severe kind of economic and social pressures of poverty and social neglect resulting in depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies were found among this group, which affected the overall mental health. This showed that, eunuchs have not been provided with basic social rights and can be classed as a neglected gender group. In addition, there is no love and care provided by the kin and relatives which results in the eunuchs facing psychological complications in daily life.
Conclusion: Eunuchs face psychological complications in daily life. The condition necessitates encouragement and social acceptance of eunuch to lead a normal and healthy life in the society. Furthermore socio-psychosocial aid and regular counselling is mandatory for creating hope necessary for leading a normal life.

https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio ... _exclusion

[WheelyFixed]

Interesting paper, and sounds like it matches what I've heard from other sources about the life of the hejira...

A few thoughts occurred to me as questions...

1. All the eunuchs studied were described as 'beggars'. Are there eunuchs in that area who are NOT 'beggars'? If so how do they compare?

2. How do the eunuch beggars compare to the non-eunuch beggars?

3. How are non-eunuchs that are obviously 'non-binary' / LGBTQ+ treated, and how do they compare?

While I agree that the conditions of the folks studied are really bad, and need to be improved, I wonder if some of the results were the result of the study subjects chosen, and / or how broadly the results of this study would apply to areas with different cultures...

I know little beyond popular press about the culture there, but my understanding is that it is very class oriented and conservative, and that those who are either in one of the 'lower' classes or who don't fit into one of the defined ones are subject to the sort of bad treatment described...

WheelyFixed