By Bhavika
When a person's gender identity differs from the sex they got at birth or the bodily characteristics that are linked to that sex, they may experience gender dysphoria, which is a sensation of unease or suffering.
It may occur in transgender and gender-nonconforming people at some time in their life. However, some transgender and gender-diverse persons, with or without medical help, feel comfortable with their bodies.
Gender identity refers to a person's perception of their gender. This suggests that a person's private parts or appearance are not related to their gender identity. There are about 107 genders present in 2023.
It’s not uncommon to feel gender dysphoria but it may impact many parts of your life negatively. Daily activities are just one of the many facets of life that gender dysphoria can impact. People who experience gender dysphoria may struggle in school because they feel pressured to be dressed in a manner that fits with the sex given to them at birth or because they are afraid of being bullied or insulted, not only this, if it is not treated as soon as possible they may develop the issues with anxiety, sadness, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other negative feelings.
Gender dysphoria can begin from the age of 7. That’s a very sensitive age to cope with gender dysphoria. There are different symptoms one can feel while suffering from gender dysphoria such as If you feel a strong desire to have the genitals and secondary sex characteristics of another gender. Or want to be treated as another gender rather than your birth sex. You should consult a professional therapist, they’ll help you to get to know yourself better and the feelings you are going through.
Coping with gender dysphoria is not easy, here are some things you can try to cope with it -
- The first step is to “Talk” about your feelings and to “Express” yourself. You could express yourself in different ways, such as music, art, craft, and writing, there are many ways one can let out all the feelings.
- Meditate. Meditation will help you to calm your mind and think properly. It’s a simple 10-15-minute task that will help you long-term in this journey.
- Some people support you and people will try to bring you down. Avoid places and people who will make you feel uncomfortable and do not let you be you.
- Embrace your body. Take good care of your body. Do yoga, exercise, and dance. You can not force yourself to be happy but you can try to embrace what you have.
- Consult a psychologist. That might be the best thing you can do for yourself! Once you feel comfortable with your emotions, inner feelings. You can accept yourself and tell people that
“Your body does not define you”
References -