Gender identity issues, or gender Dysphoria, is characterised by an discrepancy between the gender an individual identifies and his or her physical gender. Individuals with gender dysphoria are often known as transsexual or trnsgender. Common signs of gender dysphoria may be cross-dressing, a sense of being in the wrong body and a strong desire to live as a person of the opposite sex. Children with gender dysphoria may exhibit the condition through disgust for their own genitals accompanied by a feeling they will grow and develop to be the opposite sex.
Some individuals treat gender dysphoria through physical modification of their bodies using surgery in order to better achieve likeness to their identified gender. Individuals with gender dysphoria may run a higher risk of depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, bullying and and even thoughts of suicide. Therapy with a qualified counsellor can assist with facing challenges and other aspects of gender dysphoria.
Mental health issues can occur frequently among individuals questioning their Gender Identity as they are often exposed to experiences of discrimination as well as bullying. On top of this there are other major factors such as age, religion, community and ethnicity which can also add stress to an already complicated situation.
Facing these various issues can cause the individual anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem as well as identity issues. Enormous relief and benefit can be gained by individuals encountering a variety of LGBTQ related issues through help from a qualified therapists with experience of the communities issues. As part of therapy the individual develop coping mechanisms to handle the process of coming out, for dealing with discrimination as well as to confront the many other commonly faced issues of the LGBTQ community.
Speaking with a therapist trained to work with LGBTQ individuals may assist you coping with issues related to difficulties identifying and accepting your sexual orientation, learning to handle the reactions of other people, gender dysphoria, when you feel body does not reflect your true gender, transitioning, low self-esteem, thoughts or acts of self-harm and suicidal thoughts as well as depression sustained from bullying and discrimination. As part of therapy the individual develop coping mechanisms to handle the process of coming out, for dealing with potential hostility or rejection from family or friends as well as fear of discrimination, or potential violence, within your community.
