Hey,
I have my first appointment with a Psychiatrist Friday to begin discussing transitioning, I'm looking for any practical advice on what to do and what not to do. I haven't begun presenting as female yet, unless you count letting my hair grow (I can almost put it behind my ears!)
I'm just afraid that she'll question how real it is because the initial reason for the referal was my counselor believes I may have Bi-polar. I don't know how much I should bring depression and my other issues into the discussion with a Psychologist I'm hoping to have go through transition with me. I don't want the other issues I'm having to hold back transition, because I believe GID is the root of the depression and might also be a major part of the social awkwardness and withdrawal. I don't think transitioning will make those disappear overnight, but I don't think it's possible to work on those issues until I start working on the big one.
Anyways, any insight you can provide would be appreciated.
I'd say simply be as honest and open as possible. If the psych is experienced in treating GID, they should be aware of all the emotional consequences that arise from it. Most of us are pretty "damaged" (who isn't though, GID or not?) from this, so depression and whatnot existing alongside GID isn't unusual.
As far as other issues holding you back... well, I've always said that transition will bring to the surface all the unresolved issues you have lurking down there in your subconscious. It's really kinda cruel, as you end up dealing with all THAT (whatever THAT is for each of us) on top of the usual transitioning worries.
But if you DON'T resolve your more pressing problems, they'll haunt you every step of the way, making transition harder than it has to be, and follow you into your post-transition life.
In the end though, the most important thing between you and a psych is TRUST. You need to be able to tell this person anything without fear of condemnation, or of being held back unfairly for what you reveal.
~Kate~
I think that Kate said it pretty well. Be open and honest with them. I'd like to add, see if you "click" with the psychologist. If you can feel totally comfortable with him/her, then you have a lot better chance of really communicating, and a lot better chance of getting real help with your problems. If things don't click immediately, give them another chance - but not exceeding two sessions. By that time, you should be able to see if you're going to be able to work with that person.
Be prepared to do some real self-examination. You'll need to work as hard as your psychologist whenever you're in the session, and be prepared to really expose your feelings. Sometimes you might cry, sometimes you might get mad. It all matters, and the more quickly you open up and the better that you're able to express your feelings, the more quickly you have a chance of taking care of the issues. Of course, that also means moving on to HRT and transition.
Like Kate said, too, make sure you have all of these "side issues" taken care of BEFORE starting transition. You'll have a tough enough time with transition -- sometimes it's impossible to fight a "two front war", too.
Good luck, and let us know if we can help you!
Carol
Carol and Kate pretty much said it all Flutter. The only other thing I can add is I know where you're coming from: I had to deal not only with GID and depression, but also a lot of other issues at the same time. It's a long drawn out process and it took a lot of months pre-transition before I could even actually begin the physical process of transition. Half the process is all mental, the rest of it is just finding the right caretakers and a lot of luck.
Yes, there will be tears along the way, and anger, you'll probably go through a lot of emotions with your therapist and need to develop a trusting relationship with them. After two years in therapy there's nothing I hold back from my therapist, I tell her everything!
Best luck for you dear,
Jenn
So,
It went well.
She seemed very much to get me and the issues that I have. It was almost like she was in my head at times. :o
Anyways, thank you all for the advice. I was open and honest with her, if a little bit reserved still because of my own social awkwardness.
Here's to hoping things go well. :)