{"id":7704,"date":"2019-07-03T05:24:20","date_gmt":"2019-07-03T05:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=7704"},"modified":"2021-04-19T15:18:53","modified_gmt":"2021-04-19T15:18:53","slug":"14-most-common-symptoms-of-dysphoria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-most-common-symptoms-of-dysphoria\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Most Common Symptoms of Dysphoria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gender dysphoria is a phenomenon wherein an individual \u2013 often a child \u2013 will feel a strong sense that they are in the wrong body. This is often considered to be a kind of conflict between their \u2018biological sex\u2019 and their \u2018gender identity\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a world that is becoming increasingly more sensitive to a wide range of lifestyle choices, this can be a confusing time for both those experiencing dysphoria, as well as the parents and loved ones of those people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are countless questions to consider with regards to dysphoria. Is this a biological drive or is it a learned one? Is it potentially a \u2018phase\u2019 that will pass, or something that is deeply personal to that individual?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there more than one type of dysphoria?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At what age \u2013 if any \u2013 should a sex change operation be considered? Should children be free to choose their gender while they are still too young to make other key decisions? How about puberty blockers?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And should we treat this as a mental health disorder such as body dysmorphia or as a free choice for any individual to make? The answer to that latter point, of course, can only be answered by the individual and how they <\/em>feel about what is happening to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other questions are more complicated. But the first order of the day is of course to identify the symptoms. You\u2019ll find those below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Choice of Toys<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the earliest signs of gender dysphoria<\/a> is a refusal to play with \u2018gender assigned toys\u2019. That might mean that a little boy insists on playing with dolls, or that a little girl insists that she play with action figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is, of course, a highly more complex issue, however. For one, many little boys like to play with dolls and this doesn\u2019t have any bearing on their gender identity. Similarly, many little girls enjoy trucks, diggers, and robots! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, is that these preferences might have been artificially constructed, to begin with. Do boys play with robots because they prefer robots, or because they have seen other boys playing with them on TV?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And with increased sensitivity to this issue, we now also see more and more parents choosing to raise their children in a \u2018gender fluid\u2019 manner. That means that they don\u2019t force their children to pick one or the other, but rather give them a selection of both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2 Depression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depression <\/a>is commonly associated with gender dysphoria and this might be one of the earliest signs that something is wrong with a child or loved one. If a child feels they are in the wrong body, or if they feel they are unable to speak to their parents and friends about how they feel, then they could very well find this to be an isolating and distressing experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many adults and children alike with dysphoria will find that they struggle with issues of identity, and may feel ashamed or embarrassed of their desires. This can make this an extremely difficult period for those people, and that can lead to social withdrawal and other issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children who already act differently may likewise find they are subject to bullying and taunting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is your job as a parent, friend, or loved one to try and speak with this person and help them open up to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3 Cross Dressing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Crossdressing is an understandable logical outcome of gender dysphoria. Someone who wishes they were a boy or a girl, may of course dress to look like that. They may be experimenting as a one-off, or it might be something they do regularly. Some people will \u2018secretly\u2019 wear one or two items of clothing that are typically associated with the opposite gender, or they might simply push the boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, parents should be careful to jump to conclusions. It is normal and natural for children to experiment, and this could very well be something that passes \u2013 or a one-off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When looking at symptoms of a condition such as dysphoria, or anything else, it is always important to consider them together and in a holistic manner. Playing with different toys isn\u2019t necessarily a sign of dysphoria. But if they play with different toys, dress up like the opposite sex, and have unusual mannerisms<\/a>, then this could very well paint a different picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4 Disgust at Genitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Children and adults who feel they are in the wrong body might find themselves disgusted at their own genitals<\/a>. This can, of course, result in further feelings of stress, depression, and frustration.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children, in particular, have a very strong reaction to this, as they will be less able to fully grasp the complexity of gender identity. In other words, they may view their penis or their vagina as the \u2018one thing\u2019 that is standing in the way of them becoming the person they want to be. It is important that children learn to come to terms with who they are, even if they later choose to change this.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5 Hormonal Signs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many potential causes for gender dysphoria, which can include genetic differences, lifestyle <\/a>factors, psychological factors and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But in some cases, the dysphoria might be caused at least partly by physical differences \u2013 someone who is biologically male in terms of their genitalia, may nevertheless appear to act or look female in other senses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a boy who produces excess amounts of estrogen will likely have increased water retention, potentially gynecomastia (breast formation), more feminine features, and more feminine emotions. It can even affect the development of the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind, you might notice that someone genuinely does appear to be in the wrong body, and this can correlate with an increased likelihood of dysphoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6 Distress During Puberty<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is relatively common for any child to experience concern and distress during puberty<\/a>. We all remember being \u2018warned\u2019 about the appearance of hair and changes to our voice, and this is something that most of us came to terms with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you experience gender dysphoria, then you may find this process extremely stressful. If you have been trying to identify more like a boy or a girl, then the changes that occur during puberty can feel like they are going against the person that you want to be or feel that you already are. It is like your body forcing you into a choice and turning you into something that you don\u2019t feel comfortable with. Imagine feeling like a girl, and then watching as your brow thickens and you become covered in hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why some will consider puberty blockers as a management technique, though this comes with numerous other issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7 Body Language and Tone of Voice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We already mentioned that it is common for people to show other signs of being the \u2018other gender\u2019 if they have hormonal differences. However, even without any changes caused by hormones, you might notice that someone with dysphoria already acts a little more like the opposite sex. We\u2019ve all seen men who are very camp and women who are far more \u2018tomboyish\u2019. These again don\u2019t necessarily indicate dysphoria, but they can certainly coincide and this should be taken into account when considering all symptoms in context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, this can be a biological change, or it might be a decision on the part of the individual. Similarly, they may or may not demonstrate homosexual <\/a>tendencies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many different causes of dysphoria, and it can present in numerous different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8 Discussion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the best way to find out if someone you love is experiencing body dysphoria <\/a>is simply to speak with them. By showing that you are non-judgemental and that any choices will be their own (in time), you can create a safe space to discuss. This way, you can learn precisely how they are feeling and hopefully help them to come to terms with what they\u2019re going through.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, you can discuss ways to help them feel happier and more themselves. And if you are the one experiencing dysphoria, then the best thing you <\/em>can do is to reach out and speak with someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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