How to Cope with Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria is the term used to describe when your physical body doesn’t align with your gender or sexual orientation. It can present a challenging internal conflict, especially if you’re trying to navigate it on your own. The discomfort that accompanies the disconnect between one’s identity and physical qualities can lead to other internal distress.
Gender dysphoria can have a significant impact on mental health. It can hinder your sense of self-worth, how (or if) you can reach a place of contentment, and your ability to trust or love. If you or someone you love is trying to learn how to deal with gender dysphoria, use the tips we’re sharing here. There can be psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. Sometimes such can experience thoughts of suicide and even attempts.
Studies has shown us that people with gender dysphoria have a higher risk of suicide. In fact, nearly half (more than 48%) of participants in one study reported having suicidal thoughts or ideation. Another nearly 24% said they have attempted suicide at least one time.
Such people often experience harassment and discrimination that can lead to worse feelings and significant distress that are associated with their dysphoria. The good news, though, is you don’t have to live without support.
Who do not have Gender Dysphoria cannot understand need of gender dysphoria’s people. Next example may be good for you to understand the true problem they faced: -
Imagine you are sitting in your local food centre with a group of friends. It’s Friday evening, there is good music, good company, and perhaps a good food. Your only worries are who is going to buy the next food and where the bathroom is – simple and ubiquitous thoughts and behaviours for most. For those with gender identity issues these concerns are not minor. Buying a food is fraught with difficulty as the staff may react to the fact that your voice doesn’t match your face. Going to the bathroom requires deciding where neither outcome seems the right one for you. For some individuals, the stress caused in these situations by feeling a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity results in gender dysphoria.
There are healthy ways to cope with gender dysphoria and improve your mental health.
Even if you’re not ready to admit to the world how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking just yet, using some of the following affirmations and phrases might help you build confidence so one day you’ll be ready to do so.
Gender dysphoria can have a significant impact on mental health. It can hinder your sense of self-worth, how (or if) you can reach a place of contentment, and your ability to trust or love. If you or someone you love is trying to learn how to deal with gender dysphoria, use the tips we’re sharing here. There can be psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. Sometimes such can experience thoughts of suicide and even attempts.
Studies has shown us that people with gender dysphoria have a higher risk of suicide. In fact, nearly half (more than 48%) of participants in one study reported having suicidal thoughts or ideation. Another nearly 24% said they have attempted suicide at least one time.
Such people often experience harassment and discrimination that can lead to worse feelings and significant distress that are associated with their dysphoria. The good news, though, is you don’t have to live without support.
Who do not have Gender Dysphoria cannot understand need of gender dysphoria’s people. Next example may be good for you to understand the true problem they faced: -
Imagine you are sitting in your local food centre with a group of friends. It’s Friday evening, there is good music, good company, and perhaps a good food. Your only worries are who is going to buy the next food and where the bathroom is – simple and ubiquitous thoughts and behaviours for most. For those with gender identity issues these concerns are not minor. Buying a food is fraught with difficulty as the staff may react to the fact that your voice doesn’t match your face. Going to the bathroom requires deciding where neither outcome seems the right one for you. For some individuals, the stress caused in these situations by feeling a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity results in gender dysphoria.
There are healthy ways to cope with gender dysphoria and improve your mental health.
- Spend time with people who support you and your gender identity.
- Use affirmations to reaffirm your gender.
Even if you’re not ready to admit to the world how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking just yet, using some of the following affirmations and phrases might help you build confidence so one day you’ll be ready to do so.
- I am here and I am true to myself.
- My body does not dictate my gender or who I am.
- Regardless of what my body looks like, I know who I am.
- I am valid and worthy of living my life.
- My gender is valid.