Q – Trans rights are going backwards overseas, and attempts to do the same over here have given me crazy anxiety in recent months. Can Tend help me with mental health issues like anxiety?
It’s completely understandable that the current environment around trans rights can feel overwhelming and affect your mental health.
Yes, Tend can definitely help with mental health issues like anxiety. We recommend booking a 30-minute mental health consultation in the app, where our clinicians can listen without judgment, help create a plan, and refer you to additional support if needed.
If you’re enrolled with Tend, you also have free access to health coaches and Health Improvement Practitioners who can support your mental wellbeing. You can choose someone with experience or a special interest in LGBTQIA+ health, and consult either in person or online.
Taking small steps, like reaching out for professional support and connecting with community groups, can make a big difference. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this on your own — we’re here to help you through it.
Q – My partner and I have an agreement that we can play around if we are overseas. That might only happen once or twice a year. Do I need to consider getting on PrEP for something that happens so infrequently?
It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about your sexual health, even for infrequent situations. PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, especially for people who may have higher-risk sexual encounters.
If your overseas experiences involve mostly oral sex and no anal or vaginal penetration, the risk of HIV transmission is generally low. In those cases, PrEP might not be necessary. However, if there’s any chance of penetrative sex or other higher-risk exposure, especially without condoms, it’s worth having a conversation with a clinician about PrEP.
You might also consider HIV and STI testing before and after travel, and we recommend using condoms during any higher-risk encounters.
At Tend, you can speak confidentially with a clinician to get tailored advice about whether PrEP is right for you, along with STI prevention strategies that fit your lifestyle.
Download the Tend app or visit tend.nz
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