{"id":7805,"date":"2019-07-04T05:47:26","date_gmt":"2019-07-04T05:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=7805"},"modified":"2021-04-19T20:44:04","modified_gmt":"2021-04-19T20:44:04","slug":"14-prevailing-signs-of-gender-dysphoria-in-chidren","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-prevailing-signs-of-gender-dysphoria-in-chidren\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Prevailing Signs of Gender Dysphoria in Chidren"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Dysphoria, also known as \u2018gender dysmorphia\u2019, is a condition that causes individuals \u2013 particularly children \u2013 to feel as though they are in the wrong body. More specifically, it causes them to feel as though their body is biologically the wrong gender. This can cause a large amount of distress, as the individual may find themselves feeling disgusted at their own figure, or fearing the changes that will be brought by puberty and aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gender dysphoria is a condition with many potential causes and explanations. This can make it difficult for parents, loved ones, and those experiencing the condition to know how to react. It\u2019s also a politically charged topic: with questions of choice and consent. At what age should a child be able to decide their gender? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just how much of our gender is biologically determined? How much of our gender role is determined by society?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s most important of course, is simply that the child or individual be helped to feel as comfortable and as happy as possible. There are things that can be done to help children deal with what is a potentially very distressing and complicated time in their lives. And this is why it\u2019s important to be able to quickly identify the signs and symptoms of dysphoria so that you can begin to help your loved one as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on then for 8 signs of dysphoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Depression and Withdrawal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many children and even adults won\u2019t feel comfortable talking about so complex and sensitive a topic with their family and their friends. This is why they might choose to keep what they\u2019re going through to themselves, rather than share it with others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, dysphoria can cause depression<\/a>, anxiety, and a number of other complicated emotions and feelings. For these reasons, you may find that the person experiencing the condition withdraws from interactions. That they are quieter than usual, and more retiring. You may find that they are less inclined to engage in conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other signs of depression include tiredness, suicidal thoughts, crying, and difficulty getting out of bed in the mornings. If you notice these symptoms, then you should try to create a safe space and a supportive environment where they feel that they are free to talk and discuss their feelings. This way, they might feel confident enough to talk to you about how they\u2019re feeling and what you can do to help them (potentially).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

While there are many signs and symptoms<\/a>, one of the most obvious and the most useful is simply that the child admits to feeling uncomfortable in their skin and perhaps feeling as though they would rather be another gender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can provide you with the precise \u2018scoop\u2019 on why they might have been acting unusual, and thereby give you the opportunity to help them. The danger is to make sure that you react to this news correctly. The worst thing you can do is to dismiss it as a phase. While it\u2019s certainly possible that their feelings will change, there is no guarantee. Nor does it make the way they\u2019re feeling right now <\/em>any less real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, be led by them on how to react. Don\u2019t make a big deal out of this if it is something they are trying to play down. And don\u2019t assume it\u2019s something they want to have \u2018fixed\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of dismissing then, treat the issue sensitively. Listen to what they have to say, ask how it makes them feel, and tell them you\u2019re glad they came to you for advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

If a child or adult feels as though they are in the wrong body, then they might do whatever they can in order to feel as though they are back in the right one. This can include dressing as the opposite sex, in a bid to try and feel more like a girl\/boy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, this is something a child might be reluctant to come out and admit to. But if you notice subtle signs, then it can give you a clue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind though, that cross-dressing on its own is not necessarily a sign of dysphoria<\/a>. There are many men who enjoy dressing as a woman with no desire to become one \u2013 and vice versa. Moreover, children do <\/em>sometimes go through a phase of \u2018curiosity\u2019. They may even just be dressing up for fun.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, tackle the topic carefully in order to try and find out more about why your child\/friend is doing this, and what it means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4 Fear of Puberty<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For children, in particular, dysphoria can come with a fear of puberty<\/a>. The reason for this is that puberty is a huge physical change that can force the child to become more like the gender that they have been assigned by their biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine that you are a boy who feels like a little girl. While you know you\u2019re different, you still have smooth skin and relatively petite features. But then, as you age, you begin to grow facial hair, a thick-set brow, a deeper voice. All these things represent your body changing in ways that you are not ready for \u2013 and that you have no control over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5 Anorexia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anorexia <\/a>is an eating condition that causes patients to stop eating for long periods, leading to extremely low body fat and potentially to a number of serious health complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many potential causes for anorexia, which is most accurately described as an anxiety disorder. One major reason though, is that the sufferer is actually trying to delay or prevent the onset of puberty \u2013 which can be a result of anorexia. At the same time, anorexia can be seen as an act of destruction aimed at the body \u2013 this is a form of self-harm that may suggest that the individual is deeply unhappy with who they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6 Playing With Different Toys <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the early signs of dysphoria that many parents are quick to notice, is that their child is playing with different toys. In other words, a boy might be playing with girl\u2019s dolls, or a girl might be playing with robots and cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again, this on its own does not suggest dysphoria. In fact, it is very common for children to enjoy toys that are not designed for their demographic specifically. Many of these tendencies to prefer certain activities are thought to be purely a result of social influence \u2013 rather than anything biological. Not only that, but many parents are now choosing intentionally to raise their children in a \u2018gender fluid\u2019 manner, meaning they don\u2019t actively encourage their children to act more like one gender <\/a>or another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But with all that said, this can still be an early clue as to some underlying tendencies, which may be worth observing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7 Disgust With Genitals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A person with dysphoria might find themselves feeling \u2018disgusted\u2019 at the sight of their own genitals<\/a>. This is again more common in children with the condition in particular, and the reason for this is that those children might fail to grasp the true nature of their genitals. More specifically, they might be under the impression that their genitals are all that are \u2018standing in the way\u2019 of them becoming the gender that they wish to become.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if your child grows up and eventually chooses to make changes to their biology, it is important to help them at the time to come to love and appreciate their own body, the way it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8 Hormonal and Behavioral Signs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, it is possible in some cases to notice other aspects of a person\u2019s demeanor, tone, or manner that can help to indicate possible dysphoria. You might notice that a man is very camp for instance, or that a woman acts more butch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This may be the result of developmental changes that could also have caused the dysphoria, or even of hormonal imbalance<\/a>s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this again doesn\u2019t necessarily tell us anything, it can be useful to consider along with the other items on this list. Try not to view any item on this list in isolation, but to think about it in the grander scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Anxiety Disorders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dysphoria may contribute to the development of symptoms of anxiety <\/a>in children affected by the condition. When kids are unable to understand the changes happening in their minds and bodies, they experience stress. If the child is not in a supportive environment, and they are going through feelings of dysphoria, it may result in the development of anxiety disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of the anxiety symptoms, the child may completely withdraw from social situations and become unresponsive to external stimuli. As a result of the changes in the child’s personality, they may fail to make the necessary social integration, which may result in them becoming outcasts in their social circles. Unfortunately, these symptoms of disconnection may follow them through into their teenage years and adult life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors are hesitant to treat anxiety in children using medication. Many of the drugs used to manage the symptoms of anxiety disorder may lead to addiction and abuse.
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10. Making Friends with Children of the Opposite Gender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Children who are experiencing the effects of gender dysphoria find it easier to make friends with children of the opposite sex. As a result, parents may notice that they avoid social situations where they have to deal with other children of the same gender. Some parents may find this disturbing, and when asking the child why they prefer to make friends in this manner, the child may not understand why they exhibit this behavior<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children in a sound state of mind will gravitate towards making friends with anybody, regardless of their gender preference. However, children who are experiencing the effects of gender dysphoria, may put up a fight, or exhibit extreme distress – if they have to spend time with other children of the same sex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents of children exhibiting signs of gender dysphoria should explain to the child, that all children in the class are worthy of interaction, regardless of their sexual orientation. Teaching the child, the principle of equality is an essential step to social integration.
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11. Changes in Hairstyle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Until they reach about 3 or 4-years old, most children don’t have a care in the world about their hairstyles<\/a>. However, when they reach this age, most of them start to develop a sense of their unique personality. It’s only natural for children to want to express their individuality and one of the easiest ways for them to do this as with their hairstyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children experiencing gender dysphoria, do not feel any shame about asking their parents if they can cut their hair to fashions that are popular with the opposite sex. They may complain when the hairdresser cuts their hair into a typical style for their gender. This occurrence may be one of the first signs parents may notice that are related to the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of their dysphoria, young boys may want to grow out their hair long, put it into ponytails or pigtails, or cut a fringe into the hair. Young girls may ask to cut their hair short into a boyish-style, and experiment with hair products like hair gel.
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12. Changes in Urination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Children who are dealing with the effects of dysphoria may start to feel uncomfortable using bathrooms designated for their gender. As a result, the child may hold in their urge to urinate until they get home to a comfortable place where they do not feel any social pressure<\/a>. Even though the child is fully toilet trained, they may end up experiencing accidents where they soil their undergarments. This situation occurs due to the anxiety involved with using designated bathrooms at school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents may also notice that their child wants to use the bathroom allocated for the opposite sex when in public facilities of restaurants. In most cases, children feel embarrassed about the situation, and they do not wish to express their feelings towards their parents as it goes against their upbringing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concerned parents should speak to their child’s school teachers, to arrange accommodation for their child’s needs. Many schools across the United States are presently making arrangements to accommodate gender dysphoric children, creating gender-neutral bathrooms to deal with this situation.
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13. Changes in Sports Interests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Children <\/a>that are experiencing gender dysphoria may start to notice changes in their preferences concerning sports and activities. Some boys may want to swap the football field for dance class why little girls may prefer rough-and-tumble activities, instead of playing dolls with their friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents may find it troubling that the child does not want to take part in sports or activities designated for the agenda. However, it’s important to note that this is only a social construct, and children should be able to participate in any activities they wish. In some cases, children may grow out of this phase, while others may carry it into adolescence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to note that this is not always a sign of gender dysphoria. Just because your daughter wants to wear baggy clothes, and hang out with skateboarders, does not mean that she identifies herself as male. In some cases, the little girl may simply like skateboarding, and there are plenty of successful female skateboarders in the sport that are not transgender.
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14. Wanting to Change Names<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our name is the cornerstone of our identity. Children are experiencing the effects of gender dysphoria, experience distress<\/a>, and anxiety with the title, especially if it is gender aligned. A young boy living with a name like Kelly may have no issues if they are gender dysphoric. However, if they possess a name like Andrew, they may start to detest it, and ask their parents to name them something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of the discord with the name, the child may choose to adopt a name, use their middle name, or want to abbreviate their name to satisfy the desire to be transgender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the name the child chooses, it’s a clear indication that they are not happy with their current state, and they are looking for an alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some parents may feel uncomfortable calling their child by another name. However, it’s important to know – that if you do not go along with the child’s request, it may cause feelings of resentment, and they may begin to withdraw from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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