So I made this account a few weeks ago, and have lingered on this forum long before that, but - for various reasons - I feel it's time I introduced myself.

A little about me: I'm a 22 year old student living in the UK, and today I asked my GP for a referral to someone to talk about my 'gender issues'. It was the first time I ever said how I feel out loud to anyone other than myself, let alone a complete stranger... I won't lie, it felt strange, and the consequence of that 'strangeness' is that my anxiety levels are currently through the roof. I cannot tell whether I am relieved that I have finally said something, horrified that I could be mistaken about myself, or scared that whatever it is that I have set in motion, I will have no control over. 

The next few months should be interesting..

I am sure, however, that it will be a pleasure getting to know some of you

J

Hey J, welcome to the forums!

Glad to meet another Brit! Where in the UK are you from if you don't mind me asking? Well done for speaking with your GP as well, I hope they were supportive of you.

Hi and Welcome!
Every journey begins with a single step, and this is a good one.  Everyone feels anxious at the beginning, so remember to breathe and tell yourself that this is an adventure.  I lurked about for over a year before writing anything, and now this is a primary place where I share my thoughts, dreams, and fears.  It is both magical and safe.
Hugs,
Julie

Thank you both for the warm welcome, I really appreciate it.

Caitlin, I'm currently living/studying in Wales. It's nice to know I'm not the only Brit here

Hi there and welcome!

This is a bit strange because I also live in Wales and I told my GP last week...it sounds a little too familiar. I hope your experience was better than mine... I had a minor shake up after that session.

If you'd like to share your experiences then let me know, I'll be more than happy to chat. It feels like we are in the same boat.

Hi Fred,

Congrats on talking to your GP, although I'm sorry to hear it didn't go so well... in fact it sounds awful. Frankly, I'm not sure mine would of known what to do with me had I not explicitly asked for the referral.

It would certainly be nice to chat at some point.

A big warm welcome to the family! You have definitely started on an exciting journey and we are all here to help however we can. This family is where I started my journey as well and with the support here I am now full time, on HRT and looking forward to SRS. I could not be where I am without the support, understanding and compassion here. Feel free to rant, vent, share good news (we like this a LOT), learn or just have some distracting fun and meet the rest of the family. Here is a BIG HUG  to welcome you and make you feel right at home! After 15 postings you will be able to PM any of us directly for specific questions or just some talk.

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Welcome to Susan's, J. You're not alone so make yourself at home.

Hi J! In my opinion the only person who knows if you're trans or not is yourself, but a good therapist should be able to help you reach the answer faster. It took me three years from the moment I started exploring my gender issues until I was ready to come out to myself as a trans woman. I was confused, in denial, scared, my anxiety went through the roof, etc. When I finally accepted myself, it was all gone - and my real life started.

Good luck on your journey! Be true to yourself and you'll find the answers you're looking for.

Aylén

Hi J. I'm also a new, confused 20-year-old student from the UK. It must be our week