I've been having trouble in school lately. Prior to realizing I was trans, I was doing reasonably well, but since my realization I just can't seem to concentrate on my studies. Instead I'm preoccupied by thoughts about gender, sex, coming out, finding therapists, observing women, and generally sorting myself out. Then there's the problem of lost sleep as well. It's so frustrating. I'd really like to free up that space in my head, as I kind of need to have full use of my brain. >_<
I'm not sure what to do.

I know how you feel. I've had trouble with school for a few years, but it's suddenly got a lot worse. Is there anyone in school you can talk to? You don't necessarily have to tell them you're trans, just that you're having some extreme difficulties. I get on really well with the teachers in my school so I told my head of college and she sent out an email to my teachers saying I'm having a lot to deal with at the moment and I'm not sleeping so I need some extra support. Is this something you can consider?

Joey

I was quite young when I realised and don't remember if I could concentrate or not. But the realisation would hit anyone like a bolt from the wild blue.

Let's look at it. It suddenly dawns on you that your entire self image, your body image, your gender image, your view of what your future may hold, all of these are suddenly called into question.

Now that's a pretty big thought and it isn't surprising you are preocccupied by it.

What to do?

Get used to it. Accept the reality, make your plans and move on.

I'm 40 (something-or-other-it's-really-not-important) and my gender dysphoria hit me like a freight train about 5-years ago and I'm still obsessing over it. Yep, it sure takes up a lot of my brain space and I wish I could think about something else.

In your case, however, despite the irresistible urge to think of nothing else, you have one thing going for you -- youth. My advice is to try and put those thoughts out of your head and get on with the equally important aspects of your life. You've discovered something important about yourself early and therefore have quite a bit of time to not only think about it, but to put those thoughts into action early.

Now if only I could take my own advice!