To transition or not to transition

[silentone]

I was recently diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder and after taking medication, I do not feel depressed. I still get the feelings of feeling like I am trapped in the wrong body, but the depression is no longer there. Also sexually I still visualize myself as a woman otherwise there is no libido. Should transition be done only if living the status quo becomes unbearable?

[Tessa James]

I would guess that is one of the toughest questions that only you can answer.  Some transgender people who transition do not experience significant dysphoria or depression.  We can all support your feeling better and transition starts best with self acceptance IMO.  Lots of changes can come after that without seeing a therapist, going on HRT or having surgery.  Those steps may become necessary or desirable but there are again smaller steps that can help confirm the course you set or give you options to consider.  Hair styles, clothing and jewelry are not permanent fixtures.  Some people live comfortably as crossdressers or in an androgynous persona. 

And then i hope no one suggests we should transition only if we are suicidal.  Congratulations for taking positive steps for your health.  Now how important is it for you to transition and what are you willing to give up as a consequence?  That was a question my therapist posed and again, your answers are the ones that count the most.

[maxman]

Hey! As a fellow trans person diagnosed with depression and other mental illness, here's my take on it.

Transitioning for me definitely eased some of my depression symptoms, but If you have a mental illness transition isn't a way of curing that. Often that's a chemical brain thing that can be influenced by transition but isn't caused or cured by it.

For me, transitioning was about becoming who I was. It made me happier than ever before, and more comfortable with my life. Being called he instead of she, being a father one day, being a boyfriend, etc those were all roles I craved.

Do you feel like a woman or a man? Or neither,  or both, those are valid as well.

Transitioning isn't just because you're depressed. You can still need to transition if you're not depressed. Everyone's path is different. I hope I've helped a little bit, good luck on your journey!