I have depression/ anxiety since I discovered being transgender it slowly got worse
I will talk to my therapist when I see her in October sucks that it has to be a month in between sessions (because of how little time she has). My heart races like crazy and spikes. I thought this was because of my talents not getting out there but maybe its because of not being able to transition yet. I wasn't going to start a new thread but I thought this might help some people. Anyway I get more flight or fight feelings lately and sleeping just sucks sometime. I guess I am more worried about this then I thought.

I have dealt with gender dysphoria most of my life. I am a late transitioner, having GCS at age 66. My coping skills included dangerous employment and hobbies, denial and trying to be normal and just outgrow my feelings. These behaviors did not work and I do not recommend any of these to anyone.

Sleep disorders are common in people with depression. Many of us turn to prescription drugs for temporary relief, but it is much better to find the root cause of your depression and then eliminate that issue for your own well being.

Depression or anxiety has many causes, gender dysphoria being just one of many issues. Even after transition, many of us have new issues we have to work through. Your depression or anxiety must be professionally diagnosed. Internet forums are fine to just get you in the right direction, but there is no substitution for a counselor trained in gender issues.

Many times just talking to someone who has gone through the same issues as you helps in that you are not alone.  Support groups do help with face to face contact and sometimes lead to social gatherings as well.

We can offer our experiences, but keep in mind we are all unique and what works for one may not work for others.

I spoke with my doctor about 8 years ago. Severe anxiety, trouble sleeping.
Since then, I've been on anti-anxiety meds as well as a non-addictive sleeping pill called trazadone.
I haven't had a sleepless night or bouts of anxiety since...though my life has gotten a lot better since then.

Take a deep breath. Ours is a very difficult issue to come to terms with And the dysphoria that accompanies the gender struggle can be debilitating if left to control one's thinking and emotions. I'm assuming you've started getting yourself HIGHLY  educated/informed about gender dysphoria including reading about others experiences and feelings.  If not, that will be a great place to start. I've found that the less I understand an issue or problem the greater anxiety it produces.

Perhaps it's time to find a therapist that can make the time necessary to address your needs and while it may be at a high frequency early hopefully you'll soon be better equipped to manage your anxiety. If you can't or don't want to make that change I suggest you get better informed and start developing a coping strategy .....that will be more than worthwhile. There are many highly experienced gender therapists that will work with you via Skype and FaceTime so your location should not be a barrier to access.  You might want to visit Anne Vitale's website - lots of great info (free) and check out her book The Transgendered Self. I just finished Tea and Transition and found it helpful, enlightening and reassuring. Know that you are not alone.

Anxiety and Depression is, sadly, common with GD.  Typically my therapists (I've had three) want to see me every two weeks so a month, especially at the start is a bit long in my opinion.

So I got a question... Why don't you just start with baby steps, like wearing lotion or wearing something that isn't noticeable? I could knit-pick my past all day, but nothing compares to presenting.  I was surprised how right this felt and I'd guess its pretty common.

If I remember you just recently found out right? I know that my head was spinning when I did. Just take your time figuring...well you out... the decisions are yours and you should never feel forced into ANYTHING.  Just try to remember that transitioning is comprised of a bunch of baby steps.

Thanks everyone for the responses. I do have a therapist went to her once because I am on low funds I can only afford to go to her once in a month which sucks. I have my next appointment October 13th. I will probably be able to hang in there until then. I have been on depression/ anxiety medication I might ask my doctor to up it a bit if she can she said she didnt want to last time I asked but I think it would help. She said to get out and walk and stuff more but if your depressed and have anxiety it is very hard to push yourself to get outside especially to be around other people.
I think the higher dose would help more.

Hi MaxForever ,

I am sorry to hear about your anxiety issues , I have them too , so I know exactly what you are talk`n about.

Being nervous and anxious is bad enough , but when you are trying to be your true self and the feelings associated with transition , it only multiplies your anxiety.

Have you mentioned to your doctor who is prescribing your meds about your gender feelings and the steps you are taking , if so I see no reason why your doctor can not find a solution other than exercise that will work for you.

Personally , I have suffered from anxiety my whole life and have been on the same anti - anxiety meds for so long they barely do there job. They work just fine , still , I just don`t feel the effects from them. If I were to stop I would seize up. My doctor and I both know this , that is why I most likely will never stop taking them , I have been on the same meds and dosage since 1988 , I know , it nuts , it also the truth.

Getting back to you , aside from have a real good sit-down with your doctor , you could go to your library and take out a book on anxiety or sleeping disorders. If you are not sure , ask the librarian for help , thats there job!!

In fact I had to pick up today a book on "Mindfulness" a therapeutic tool used by therapist to help there clients , so far it`s not working , that why I wanted the book to learn more.

The more you become your own champion and learn all there is to learn about what you are feeling , the better you will feel.

Some of what you read may be shocking , some might bring solace and peace , the kind of peace you could never get from a drug or a therapist , the only kind of peace that you can give yourself.

It has only been about 51 hours since I told my therapist I was born a male but have always been at war with myself.

In that time my emotions have gone full circle several times over , but there is one thing I am sure of is no more lies.

For me the time was up , I was either going to tell the truth or be bound to life a lie for the rest of my life the male I am not , in my mind I have always been female.

We never know what the future holds , tomorrow is a day yet to be traveled , I apologize for writing so much , but if I am to help , I must help.

You my friend must heal and you will , the first step is to learn about what is going on , then look within and I guarantee you will find the answers.

Take care , and love yourself and be happy,

Later ,

Tappy

Thank you Tappy was worth it for you to type all that made me feel a bit better.
I have been at war with myself back and forth if this is what I really want. I know in my heart that it is my brain doesn't want to accept it sometimes because it knows that it will be difficult to complete. But I am strong and I know I will be able to do it. I was thinking as I said that it had to do with my talents not getting out there maybe it is nothing to do with that I use things to cover up my real problems. Although it would make me feel a bit better if I did get out there.
(I do puppet stuff been trying for a year to get out there). SO even if I did I would still want to transition.
I use my puppet stuff to help cover up some of my feelings which helps a bit but not a real solution.
I tend to hide from the world when I have anxiety/ depression. I have liked myself  a lot more since finding out but also had a fight on the inside as I said.

Anxiety update sorry for responding to my own post.
Still have a bunch of it went for a walk yesterday it helped me a bit.
I have trouble sleeping still a bit. It's hard to get to sleep but once I do I do sleep. Just hanging in there for now.
I know I will become the person I want to be eventually that gives me some comfort. I no longer worry about losing who I am now I just want to move forward and feel better. I try to distract myself as much as I can. I also use baths as a way to calm down if anyone wants advice on helping anxiety that helps too. And meditation music.
I know it will be a long difficult journey but I can do it. Still worried about telling my aunt and uncle who are religious but if they don't like it I am still going through with it.
A good thing that happened my mom told me I will be a cute boy and that's nice to know hah.