How do you get through those days when it all seems hopeless?

[Erin Kay Howell]

You're welcome, E-Brennan. And I agree, it's definitely a very hard mental attitude to break with the struggles and discrimination that faces people that are transgender. I think it helps to focus on taking things one day at a time, one step at a time. Also, I really like NoAlternative's suggestion to reward yourself for small milestones. In any case, just don't forget that your mental and emotional health are just as important as your physical health!

I'm really glad this worked for you!!

I bought my wig online my hair is far too short due to work.

[Ciara]

Erin, I took your advice. Had the afternoon free, everyone was out of the house, so I put on one of my wife's little tops and a pair of her heels (and a pair of my jeans - I wasn't naked from the waist down), then stood in front of the mirror for about thirty minutes. Compared to last time (where I looked like a man in a dress), this time I felt good. Like, really good. Like, this might work kinda good.

Just got to lose another twenty pounds (lost five already since my last hopeless attempt at dressing), but this time felt good because I picked clothes that worked for my body - not a dress, just a feminine top, jeans that fit, and the heels did wonders for my legs. Those few extra inches really change the whole dynamic of the body.

Still no wig yet - too frightened to buy one and wouldn't know where to start.  But today was a good day for a change.

If only I hadn't thrown all my makeup away, I might have been able to change my avatar to less of a sad face.

Hi E-Brennan,
Sorry that I've taken so long to get back to this post. I'm so glad that dressing is starting to work out better for you. It will work out and you will see that girl in the mirror. That will bring a smile to your avatar that we all look forward to!
The wig is a problem for me too. I don't even know where to start looking but it could make such a difference.
Don't worry about the make up. You can always buy more (meanwhile you can possibly raid your wife's make up bag). As I said previously, treat yourself......because you're worth it!
Looking forward to see her smile.

Love,
Ciara.

[Jess42]

Tomorrow is a new day and with that comes hope.

[E-Brennan]

Thanks everyone.  Although yesterday was great, today's it's all falling to pieces again inside my head.  But I don't want to hog threads on this site, so it's really not worth getting into.  Just another down day.  No smiling avatar anytime soon. 

[Ciara]

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope tomorrow will be another good day. Don't worry about hogging threads. We are all here when you need to talk.
Love,
Ciara.

[Emily Aster]

To get through those days, I do a lot of sleeping so I can't think about it. Other than that, I'm not really sure how I get through them. It just kinda happens.

[Ltl89]

Thanks everyone.  Although yesterday was great, today's it's all falling to pieces again inside my head.  But I don't want to hog threads on this site, so it's really not worth getting into.  Just another down day.  No smiling avatar anytime soon. 

This is your thread.  Why should you feel guilty about posting in it?  Everyone is here for you if you need to talk.  Remember, we all have our ups and downs.  Tomorrow can easily be another up day.

[JoanneB]

Thanks everyone.  Although yesterday was great, today's it's all falling to pieces again inside my head.  But I don't want to hog threads on this site, so it's really not worth getting into.  Just another down day.  No smiling avatar anytime soon. 

Your feelings of guilt and shame after dressing are pretty universal, just like the purge. It takes a long time, lots of working on yourself to bring about change, plus a few gallons of tears.

It does get better