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Gender dysphoria can be seen as psychological distress that could happen as a result of an inconsistency between one’s original birth gender and their gender identity.
In simple terms, people with gender dysphoria do not feel like their true gender identity matches their biological makeup. They may prefer to live like members of the opposite sex and may even go as far as looking and behaving like the other gender.
This lingering state of confusion may start during childhood, while others may not experience it until after puberty or years into adulthood. In other words, people of all ages can experience gender dysphoria.
Let’s find out more about how to deal with gender dysphoria for ourselves or other people around us.
Signs of Gender Dysphoria
Before we delve into this topic, you should understand that signs of gender dysphoria are usually different in children and adults.
In children, it may cause significant distress that affects how they function in social activities, at school, and in other areas of their lives. The child may also feel confused about their expressed gender and their gender from birth.
For at least six months, children may experience other symptoms like:
- Feeling sad or anxious
- A strong desire to wear the opposite gender’s clothes
- A need to be like the other gender
For at least six months, adolescents and adults may notice a significant difference between their inner gender identification and their gender from birth. The distinction is shown by at least two of the following:
- A difference between gender identity and genitals or secondary sex features like voice, breast size, and body structure
- The desire to be rid of specific genitals or to hinder the growth of these secondary sex features
- A strong desire to become or to be treated as the opposite gender
- The inclination to feel a certain type of way or to respond to the other gender
Types of Gender Dysphoria
There are three categories of gender dysphoria you should know about:
Body dysphoria
Also known as body dysmorphic disorder, this is an anxiety disorder where people are constantly worrying about what they physically look like. Sometimes, they have a distorted perception of their physical appearance.
A larger incidence of body dysphoria is seen in people who already have a history of other mental health disorders like deep depression and anxiety.
Social dysphoria
Social dysphoria may come as a result of discomfort with the fact that society views the individual differently. A few other factors that may support this type of dysphoria include when another person assumes a person’s gender, uses wrong pronouns, or assumes a person’s social roles around a gender.
Mind dysphoria
Mostly seen in elderly people, this is when an individual is experiencing feelings that are not related to their assigned gender or the one they can no longer relate to. In this case, an individual may identify as a male but experience PMS symptoms.
Treatment for Gender Dysphoria
A treatment plan for a person with gender dysphoria will include any psychological support they may need to overcome the condition. This treatment will help to reduce the confusing feelings of a mismatch between biological sex and gender identity.
As much as this treatment may mean different things for different people, they include:
- Living and looking like one’s most preferred gender
- Taking gender dysphoria tests
- Having surgery to change one’s physical appearance.
Gender dysphoria tests are psychological tests used to help people identify their gender identity. However, these tests may present confusing or unclear results.
How to Deal with Gender Dysphoria without Transitioning
It is possible to lessen the feeling or existence of gender dysphoria over time. With knowledge, supportive environments, and the right treatment, you can come to terms with the difference between your gender identity and the sex assigned at birth.
It is important to have social support from family, friends, and peers to help you get through feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts, anxiety, or high-risk behaviors.
The following are other tips on how to deal with gender dysphoria without transitioning:
- Mental health care: You may want to visit a mental health professional to learn more about your gender or talk about anything you may be feeling about your gender.
- Support groups: You can talk with or to other transgender or gender-diverse people to feel less alone. Feel free to search online for communities with support groups.
- Self-care: Regardless of how you are feeling, ensure you eat well and get enough sleep. You may want to relax and do the activities you enjoy when necessary.
- Prayer or Meditation: You might also find comfort and support in your spiritual or faith communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sex hormones produced by the gonads, such as testosterone by the testes and estrogen by the ovaries, define the differences between males and females. They also help in developing the reproductive organs and subtle changes in the brain.
Hormonal imbalances may affect both men and women. However, imbalances in testosterone will affect men, and an imbalance in estrogen or progesterone will affect women.
There are no conclusive studies to show that gender dysphoria is more associated with any gender.
This section about dealing with gender dysphoria without transitioning – could you elaborate on the kinds of strategies that might be useful? Curious to understand alternative methods. Thanks, Vitamins For Woman, for covering this topic.
Love the comprehensive approach this article takes towards understanding gender dysphoria. It’s really refreshing to see all aspects covered, especially treatments and ways to cope. Great job, Vitamins For Woman!
was thinking, do you reckon there’s tech out there that could help with managing gender dysphoria symptoms? like apps or wearables? just a thought.
this stuff about body dysphoria hits home. didnt know there were different types. makes sense though.
I appreciate the attempts to categorize gender dysphoria, but aren’t we oversimplifying a complex issue? Each person’s experience is unique and might not fit neatly into these categories.
kinda agree with this. its a bit more complex than just 3 categories. but its a good start for people to get the basic understanding.
Wondering how environmental factors play into the development or coping with gender dysphoria. Any research on this aspect?
Isn’t lumping all treatments under a generic ‘treatment for gender dysphoria’ headline oversimplifying the issue? There should be a distinction between psychological and medical interventions.
interesting how perspectives on gender dysphoria have evolved. used to be so misunderstood. this article does a good job breaking it down.
ya think animals ever get gender dysphoria? like a dog or a cat? just a weird thought lol.
Do the supplements mentioned for balancing hormones really work? Anyone tried them? Want to make sure before considering anything.