Any tips on how to deal with dysphoria?

[Olivia P]

Anyone have any advice for me on methods that can help manage dysphoria during the long wait between referral and hrt start/surgery?

I would hate to let it get the best of me and drive me to do something stupid

[EllieM]

I guess that would depend on what you are currently doing. Do you crossdress? do you wax all of your body hair off? Really, anything you can do to increase your apparent femininity will help. Makeup helped me quite a bit, not just seeing it on myself, but taking the time to put it on, learning what works on me, even removing it (properly). Talking with other m2f girls helps, like on these forums and in support groups. Reading other girls' stories, also good. How often are you seeing your therapist? That helps majorly. In short, Olivia, not just one thing, a whole lot of little things taken together in concert, will help you through this. So. Please. If you are having a bad day, check in here on the forum or call someone you know who you can talk to. Let us know how you are doing and what you are doing releive the tension. Keep your eye on the prize, little sister, don't forget- you are the prize

[Jessica Merriman]

I guess that would depend on what you are currently doing. Do you crossdress? do you wax all of your body hair off? Really, anything you can do to increase your apparent femininity will help. Makeup helped me quite a bit, not just seeing it on myself, but taking the time to put it on, learning what works on me, even removing it (properly). Talking with other m2f girls helps, like on these forums and in support groups. Reading other girls' stories, also good. How often are you seeing your therapist? That helps majorly. In short, Olivia, not just one thing, a whole lot of little things taken together in concert, will help you through this. So. Please. If you are having a bad day, check in here on the forum or call someone you know who you can talk to. Let us know how you are doing and what you are doing releive the tension. Keep your eye on the prize, little sister, don't forget- you are the prize

Definitely this above. Words of wisdom girl!

[Olivia P]

I guess that would depend on what you are currently doing. Do you crossdress? do you wax all of your body hair off? Really, anything you can do to increase your apparent femininity will help. Makeup helped me quite a bit, not just seeing it on myself, but taking the time to put it on, learning what works on me, even removing it (properly). Talking with other m2f girls helps, like on these forums and in support groups. Reading other girls' stories, also good. How often are you seeing your therapist? That helps majorly. In short, Olivia, not just one thing, a whole lot of little things taken together in concert, will help you through this. So. Please. If you are having a bad day, check in here on the forum or call someone you know who you can talk to. Let us know how you are doing and what you are doing releive the tension. Keep your eye on the prize, little sister, don't forget- you are the prize

So what I've been doing this past year to get me this far then, making steady positive steps towards where I need to be.

Thanks for reminding me.

Over this past year the gender topic has slowly been manifesting itself and revealing the truth about me, and this week I got to the point of seriously considering asking to be referred to a gender identity clinic, at which point I kinda took a blow to the gut and started to feel it more than ever. All of which drove me to finally make an account here.

But yeah after lots of experimentation I'm finally reading up on all the required reading deeper than ever before and genuinely reaching the conclusion that I need to take the big step and get myself in the queue for treatment.

But yeah, I needed that reminder, and I shall continue fighting on, with some luck being referred will give me a bit of releif in the knowledge that things are progressing.

[Jessica Merriman]

Something else I have found to help with Dysphoria is to get away from it for a while. I do a 6 mile walk every day rain or shine where I do not allow myself to think about anything. I just walk, look, listen, smell and just take the world in. It has done wonders for my mental and physical health. Distraction can be fantastic.

[EllieM]

I walk to work every day, it's about 30 minutes each way. I often encounter wildlife (sometimes even deer), a rather pleasant walk. In addition, I read fiction, mostly fantasy, sf and historical novels. The distraction of vicarious adventures...
Sometimes I disappear into my piano. Certainly, as Jessica succinctly stated, "get away from it for a while." It's a virtual vacation.
...almost forgot...
most, if not all, of my dysphoria evaporated after I started HRT, but I had lived with it for a lifetime, and survived on those strategies: feminization, community support, education, psychotherapy and distraction.

[GnomeKid]

it may sound silly, but video games can be a great help.  Not so healthy as a 6 mile walk, but oftentimes more easily distracting. 

Try a great game with a female protagonist.  Maybe a princess peach?  Metroid? Perfect dark?  Geez I feel like I'm blanking on all the good ones... My room mate is obsessed with female-charactered games.... Maybe I'll check back when I remember a few.  (catwoman?)

I know nothing quite makes the world disappear for me than taking up my Master Sword and Hylian Shield and going off to fight for the future of Hyrule. 

Not only are you able to have a great pretend as a female character (with most likely a stunning costume) but the interactive and engaging qualities of a game tend to grab up your focus and prevent your mind from wandering to whats in your pants (or wherever).  Plus you usually get told a story as you go along... What's better than that?!

[Nero]

^ video games do help. Anything that can get your mind off it helps, even masturbation. lol

One thing that helps is focusing on things you want to do after transition. Are you already in or working toward a career you like? Are there any skills or hobbies you'd like to develop? Basically focus on the woman you want to be after transition - not just physically, but everything else. Take any steps you can now. Sometimes after you've got all the physical side out of the way, there's a real depression that sets in. You've got your major goal over with and don't know where to go from there. If you've worked on the other stuff while you were waiting, you'll be better off. I wish I had done more of that.

[Michelle123]

I am considering getting my facial hair removed and then going on low dose HRT thinking that may be enough for me.  Has that ever worked for anyone here?

P Mirifica will lower T a bit while you are waiting for HRT. 

[AnneB]

What I did.. I have been .. dysphoric, for the past 50+yrs.. Oct 8, 2013, I began with herbals (Phoenix Program).  There are several herbal sources out there..  Dianna's is just the site I chose.  They began to lower my T, but the plant Estrogens have really done an amazing job getting my body going.  Softer skin, better hair, amazingly calm mind, fat re-distribution, breasts.. I was, like, an minus AAA when I began, now I'm a solid B-cup in just 5months.  I have my first therapist meeting next week.  I may, or may not, switch to normal drug hormones.  I may also just add them.

I would say, try herbals for a few weeks, get you mind calmed down, reduce the male rage, then find a gender therapist.  You can switch to other bio-hormones if you wish.

[helen2010]

I am considering getting my facial hair removed and then going on low dose HRT thinking that may be enough for me.  Has that ever worked for anyone here?

Low dose HRT, face and body hair removal definitely helped me.  So did growing my hair.  FFS was important but the other steps were more effective in shutting down my dysphoria.  Permanent hair removal takes quite a deal of time - just starting this regimen helped me to progress.  Other steps included facial treatments, eye brow taming,  mani and pedi cures.  Every little bit helped me on my way.

[Kyra553]

My coping method for years has been video games. Try out second life and live as you see yourself.