I've been popping in to many of the forums topics and such -- and I find that many Trans *MTF or FTM or Andr* have Gender Dysphoria. I know that dysphoria makes you dislike your naked appearence *By what I've read* ... But do all LGBT psychs. think all trans have dysphoria? Or it THAT the reason why you have to have therapy before starting "T". I know for myself *On a personal level* -- That I'm fine in most aspects with my female body, and that I can see myself in the future, more or less MALE, just fine. *The only reason I fear naked-ness is the fact that I'm -- Well -- Heavy set -shrug-* .... So...? Am I wrong... right.... completely off target... close?? Or is it a "You-really-shouldn't-ask" type of question....? DD:
<3 Alun
For starters, I think you're fine in asking =]
From what I've learned, (personally and from other transfolk accounts) dysphoria is different for alot of people and just kind of varies person to person. It is common, but doesn't necessarily happen to everyone that is trans/andro.
I think one of the main reasons for having to go through therapy is that there are some effects that T causes that are irreversable, so I guess they want to make sure the person really does want to go through transition and that it isn't just a phase and such.
Dysphoria in itself is hard to describe in my opinion. For me, it doesn't deal just with my "naked" self, but deals with most aspects of my body because it is considered to be more female than anything. My chest, hips, and downstairs area are the parts that seem to bother me the most, though, since starting testosterone, my dysphoria has gotten a bit better.
Dysphoria has many degrees. Among transsexuals, some folks don't really feel much of it, apart from an "I need to transition because this isn't right" feeling. Some people just take a matter-of-fact approach and are quite philosophical about it. But the need to transition, and the dissatisfaction with some aspect of the body, seems to be common to...most of us. I won't say all because we are...all...different from each other.
Har. Anyway, not all transsexuals transition. Not all are unhappy enough with their bodies to alter them. And many more transgender folks never make any kind of hormonal or surgical changes.
One reason we go through therapy is to rule out any genuine mental illness. Another is to cover butts. Another is to help us figure ourselves out, if we haven't already. Another is to help us to deal with coming out, the stress of being trans, surgery/hormone decisions...you name it. Some people only see a therapist once or twice. Some go for years. The standard recommendation is at least three months, but I know a guy who went only once (some of us wish he would go again because he has non-trans-related issues!!).
And I guess some never go at all.
Ask away. We're all here to support each other and answer interesting questions (and boring ones, too, come to think of it).
Well -- I think that answers my question~ :DDD I understand completely~!! Thanks guys~ <3
<3 Alun
The main dysphoria I have is about the female cycle and that I happen to have a cycle like that. That and I don't like my chest. So the things I seek may be different from what other people seek when choosing to transition. Some people hate anything that signifies that they were born with the wrong body. That may or may not be the case. It just depends on the person. Me, I just want to pass while clothed. That is my goal.
Dysphoria is different for everybody-- just because your dysphoria isn't the same or as extreme as someone else's doesn't make your identity any less valid.
I for one have almost no dysphoria about my underwear region, but I do have a lot of dysphoria about my voice (as well as my chest). I definitely think in my case the dysphoria is more socially based than physically based (though there is some of both), but that definitely isn't true for everyone.