So I'm unfortunately still part time and am having a really big problem. Because of school I still wear a lot of "his clothes" on the outside, but I do wear a bra and panty daily. Herein lies the problem, I'm having constant minor panic attacks and am dealing with minor depression every time I set foot out the door. Because it's a trucking school I can't really get away with my usual size 12's that instantly quell the anxiety and depression. Before anyone worries I won't be dealing with this while driving an 80,000lb vehicle because I'll be dressed how I want to in my truck.

I was wondering if anyone has any advice or ideas on how to quell the attacks while out, and hopefully fast because I test for my CDL Friday.

TIA Kari Ann.

What about some jewelry?  Something inconspicuous, or which can remain hidden (like a low-hanging necklace)...

I think there is a whole lot of "girly" things you can do which only you will know about and which calm your mind (I actually do most of those too):
- paint your toe nails in a bright color and your finger nails using a clear nail polish
- wear some fishnets underneath your pants - feels great and every time you move around, you get reminded
- get a box of panty liners (odd thing to do but makes me feel girly)
- you are already wearing female underwear :-)
- find a lip balm in your lips color (I have a cover girl jumbo gloss balm - the only time I have to be careful is when drinking coffee out of white paper cups)
- I found some great skinny jeans in boot cut which I have worn in public without anyone noticing (at least no one said anything)

The trick really is to add enough girly accessories to remind you you are a women without truly showing off

Sit down to pee.  Use women's toiletries, soap, deodorants, etc.

I'm in a similar situation... Not presenting female at work for the foreseeable future. Some of the things that help me are:

- having to wear a binder (even though it's a little uncomfortable)
- trying to slouch a lot less
- wearing ear studs and growing my hair
- just trying to be more feminine in how I talk to people

It isn't much, but it isn't nothing, either!

Some really great suggestions!
Sitting down to pee kinda caught me by surprise as an idea.
I started doing that months ago but not to deal with dysphoria but rather to feel more authentic and as an acknowledgement that I was ready to start the process for surgery.
Inconspicuous jewelry was very early in the process and became more obvious when I meant it as a tell to people close to me before I came out last year.
Sarah's advice is what I was thinking though. You know yourself and your situation best. I know that is not a lot of help because you are asking for suggestions.
I didn't have a huge dysphoria issue in the beginning maybe because once I really started questioning I made a decision to transition very soon after. About 6 months after starting hormone therapy I went full time.
My management of dysphoria seemed good with just wearing effeminate things like scarves and jewelry for many years. Also progressively shaving every bit of hair from my body except head and eyebrows, I still need those.
From about age 20 onward I found body hair to be way too masculine and wanted it gone.
So I guess that's my best idea, shave your body hair if don't already.

Thank you everyone!! I will admit that some of the suggestions I already do, like sitting to pee, using women's deodorant and body wash, shaving and doing my nails, but I will definitely keep the rest of them in mind and try them out throughout the day today and see what works.

Quote from: sarah1972 on October 19, 2016, 05:54:04 PM
I think there is a whole lot of "girly" things you can do which only you will know about and which calm your mind (I actually do most of those too):
- paint your toe nails in a bright color and your finger nails using a clear nail polish
- wear some fishnets underneath your pants - feels great and every time you move around, you get reminded
- get a box of panty liners (odd thing to do but makes me feel girly)
- you are already wearing female underwear :-)
- find a lip balm in your lips color (I have a cover girl jumbo gloss balm - the only time I have to be careful is when drinking coffee out of white paper cups)
- I found some great skinny jeans in boot cut which I have worn in public without anyone noticing (at least no one said anything)

The trick really is to add enough girly accessories to remind you you are a women without truly showing off

Kinda funny that you mentioned the liners because I already wear one every day lol....unless it's a week of a little challenge between me and my sister lol

Quote from: kariann330 on October 20, 2016, 07:49:02 AM
Kinda funny that you mentioned the liners because I already wear one every day lol....unless it's a week of a little challenge between me and my sister lol

Just last week my wife discovered my liner usage on a vacation trip... She got pretty mad. Not because of this new habit but because I did not tell her and she desperately needed to borrow some... glad I brought a few spares... Maybe I need to stash some in my purse too just in case I ever get asked...

Oh - and good luck on your CDL test! Let us know how it went :-)

I was breifly part time and what helped me were painting my toe nails nice colors and painting my fingers with clear nail polish if anyone asks say everyone gets manicures.  one other thing that made me feel a little less masculine was wearing stockings/nyolns under my pants just helped remind me what i was working toward.  flavored chap stick and scented hand/body lotion and when you feel anxious rub your face a bit.  maybe get your ears pierced with studs which helped me a bit.  i hope those helped i am here if you want to talk good luck on your test 

Always
Alice