Gender dysphoria is a condition where a person experiences discomfort or distress because there's a mismatch between their biological sex given at birth and gender identity, how they identify themselves. It's sometimes known as gender identity disorder (GID), gender incongruence or transgenderism.
People with the condition may experience and display a range of feelings and behaviours. In many cases, a person with gender dysphoria begins to feel a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity during early childhood, however a diagnosis of gender dysphoria in childhood is rare.
Children, teenagers and young people under 18 years.
Most children who seem confused about their gender identity when young will not continue to feel the same way beyond puberty. Role play is unusual in young children, however if you are worried about your child showing signs of being depressed, anxious or withdrawn ask your GP advice. Your childs school may also have noted these signs and maybe able to also offer support and advice.
Help and Support:
If you think your child may have gender dysphoria or identifies as non binary (identifies as neither gender read more at :
www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/think-your-child-might-be-trans-or-non-binary
Mermaids - information and listening service for children, teenagers and their families with gender identity issues
0808 801 0400
www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS)
https://gids.nhs.uk
Teenagers and adults
If your feelings of dysphoria began in childhood you may have a clearer sense of your gender identity and how you wish to proceed. The way gender dysphoria affects teenagers and adults is different to children these can include
- certainty that your gender identity conflicts your biological sex
- comfortable only when in the gender role of your preferred gender identity or identifying as neither gender (non binary)
- a strong desire to hide or rid your body of physical signs of your biological sex such as facial hair or breasts
- a strong dislike for the genitals of your biological sex
- suppression of these feelings can affect your emotional and psychological wellbeing
- feeling lonely or isolated from others, or facing pressure from classmates, workmates or family to behave a certain way
Talk to family or friends if you are feeling depressed, see your GP as soon as possible or call NHS 111. You can contact the Samaritans free on 116123 24 hours a day.
An important part of managing gender dysphoria at home, work and socially for people is to live in their preferred gender. It is required by gender dysphoria clinics that you have done this to show that you know the changes you want to make before surgery. Changing your by deed poll is also recommended - www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll
Help and support:
Beaumont Society - National 24 hour helpline and other support for transvestites, transsexuals, their partners and families.
01582 412220
www.beaumountsociety.org.uk
Depend - Free confidential advice, information and support for all family member, spouse , partners and friends of transexual people in the UK
www.depend.org.uk
Mindline Trans+ - confidential, emotional , mental health support for people who identify as Transgender, Asgender, Gender Fluid, Non binary and support for family members and friends
0300 330 5468
https://bristolmind.org.uk/help-and-support/mindline-transplus,
All information can be found on the web an at NHS.UK