Navigating Gender Dysphoria: Understanding, Coping, and Seeking Support

Gender dysphoria is a kind of discomfort people feel when the way they were born (boy or girl) doesn't match their gender identity. This can make them feel bad about their bodies or the way they're supposed to act.

Some people cope with this by changing how they look or act, or by wanting their bodies to change to better match how they feel inside. Kids might show this by wanting clothes or toys commonly meant for the other gender.

Symptoms of Gender Dysphoria

Feeling uncomfortable with the gender label assigned at birth is indicative of gender dysphoria. Here are some other signs:

• Wishing they didn't have the body parts that come with being a boy or girl.
• Wanting to be treated like the other gender.
• Wishing they had the body parts of the gender they feel like inside.
• Saying they are actually the other gender.
• Liking games and clothes typically for the other gender.
• Not liking games and clothes typically for their assigned gender.
• Wearing clothes typically for the other gender.

People with gender dysphoria often wish they were a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth. They might feel uncomfortable with the expectations society has for their birth gender, like how they dress or act. This can lead them to dress differently or prefer activities typically associated with the opposite gender.

It's important to note that gender dysphoria isn't about who someone is attracted to; it's about their gender identity. People with gender dysphoria can be straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual. They might also identify as transgender or gender nonconforming. However, not all transgender or gender nonconforming people experience gender dysphoria.

Diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria used to be called gender identity disorder in older versions of the DSM, but in 2013, it was renamed to reduce stigma. The newer DSM-5 describes it more as discomfort and distress rather than labeling it as a disorder. In the latest update, the DSM-5-TR, terms like "experienced gender" and "individual assigned male/female at birth" are used to be more sensitive and less stigmatizing.

In Adolescents and Adults

For someone to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria as a teenager or adult, they need to have been feeling significant distress or having trouble with things like work or social life for at least six months. They also need to have at least two of the following:

• Feeling like their body doesn't match their experienced gender.
• Wanting to get rid of or change their primary or secondary sex characteristics.
• Wishing they had the body parts of their experienced gender.
• Wanting to be seen and treated as their experienced gender.
• Feeling like they have the thoughts, emotions, and reactions of their experienced gender.

In Children

Children can also have gender dysphoria, but it's crucial to tell the difference between normal kid behaviors and genuine gender dysphoria.

For a child to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria, they need to have been feeling troubled or having problems for at least six months. They also need to have at least six of these signs:

• They insist that they're a different gender or want to be.
• They like to pretend or play as the opposite gender.
• They prefer clothes or toys which are usually associated with the opposite gender.
• They dislike their body parts related to their gender.
• They desire physical characteristics that align with their gender identity.
• They choose to play with kids of the opposite gender.

These signs might start as early as age 4 and get stronger as they get older, especially when they start going through puberty.

Causes of Gender Dysphoria

The causes of gender dysphoria aren't fully understood, but a few things might play a part. Characteristics like genetics, hormones before birth, and the environment could be involved.

For instance, exposure to certain chemicals before birth might affect how a baby's sex develops. There also seems to be a genetic connection, as identical twins are more likely to both have gender dysphoria than fraternal twins.

Gender dysphoria often starts in early childhood. When kids are born, they are labeled as a boy or girl based on their bodies. How they're raised and treated by others depends on this label. But as they grow up, some might feel like their gender doesn't match what they were assigned at birth, leading to gender dysphoria.

Treatment of Gender Dysphoria

Treatment for gender dysphoria varies for each person and is based on what they need. It often involves helping them figure out their gender identity. This might mean letting them express themselves how they want, like wearing certain clothes or using different names and pronouns.

Medical Options

Some individuals with gender dysphoria might prefer more extensive treatment, like hormone therapy and medical practice to affirm their gender. This could involve changes to their body to match how they feel inside.

Hormone therapy and surgery are options, but it depends on what the person wants. Some may want a full transition to their identified gender, while others might just want to change certain physical features like facial hair or breasts.

It's essential to know that not everyone chooses surgery. It's expensive and often not covered by insurance. Hormone therapy can help, but it has side effects like changes in libido and potential mental health effects.

If someone can't do these treatments, they might feel more anxious or depressed. Therapy can help them feel better about expressing their gender identity and improve their mental health.

Psychotherapy

Some people might want counseling to feel better about their feelings, affirm who they are, and manage any distress they feel. Counseling with partners, parents, or other family members can help them understand what their loved one is going through, creating a more supportive environment.

The aim is to make people feel happier and improve their lives by reducing feelings of dysphoria. This might involve:

• Figuring out gender identity and expression
• Finding ways to deal with stress
• Learning to accept oneself
• Building a support system
• Deciding on options for transitioning
• Bettering relationships

Therapy can help reduce dysphoria and improve overall well-being at any stage of the process.

Challenges

People who are gender nonconforming, along with their families, often face stigma and discrimination because of their gender identity. Those with gender dysphoria who are transgender or gender nonconforming are also more likely to experience violence or bullying.

Accessing proper healthcare and insurance coverage for treatments like hormones or surgery can be challenging for those who pursue them.

Feelings of dysphoria and a lack of support can lead to mental distress and other issues. Some problems associated with gender dysphoria include depression, anxiety, substance misuse, self-harm, and other mental health issues.

Studies have shown that people with gender dysphoria are at a higher risk of suicide than the general population. One study found that nearly half of participants had thought about suicide, and almost a quarter had attempted it at least once.

Coping With Gender Dysphoria

Dealing with gender dysphoria usually involves treatments aimed at feeling more comfortable with your gender identity. Here are some other ways to manage:

• Seek support: Join a group where you can talk to others who understand.
• Ease discomfort: Use methods like breast binding or genital tucking to lessen physical features that cause dysphoria.
• Take care of yourself: Focus on self-care and things that make you feel good.
• Affirm who you are: Try small actions like changing your appearance or asking others to use your preferred pronouns.
• Plan for the future: Look into legal options and steps for transitioning socially or medically to your desired gender. Make a plan to reach your goals.

While aiming for your future goals, search for ways to manage dysphoria in the present too. This could mean finding ways to hide or lessen the impact of physical features that bother you. Take time to understand your identity and figure out how to express it in ways that feel comfortable.

Important Terms to Know

Here are some important terms related to gender dysphoria:

• Cisgender: Someone whose gender matches the one they were born with.
• Gender expression: How people show their gender through appearance and behaviour.
• Gender identity: A person's internal sense of their gender.
• Nonbinary: Describes people who don't fit into the typical male/female categories.
• Transgender: People whose gender identity differs from the one they were assigned at birth.