Gender Dysphoria: Understanding Identity and Mental Illness

Gender dysphoria may seem more prevalent in today’s society. Yet, this is only due to its acceptance of transgendered – and rightfully so. In the past, people thought that being transgendered was a mental illness yet it is the dysphoria that needs treatment for a productive and happy life. Here is more on gender dysphoria. What it is and understanding identity and mental illness.

What is Gender Dysphoria?

According to the Psychiatry website: Gender dysphoria involves a conflict between a person’s physical or assigned gender and the gender with which he/she/they identify. People with gender dysphoria may be very uncomfortable with the gender they were assigned, sometimes described as being uncomfortable with their body (particularly developments during puberty) or being uncomfortable with the expected roles of their assigned gender. In basic terms, it is a person who identifies as a different gender. This can be a person who is physically a male and feels that they are a female. Or a female who identifies as a male. The dysphoria part is where there are sometimes mental health issues. The word dysphoria means a feeling of restlessness, anxiety, severe distress, and depression. This is where mental health treatment comes in. The feelings of identifying with another gender is not an issue, it is any of the symptoms that present themselves as part of the dysphoria.

Why is Gender Dysphoria Treated?

One might be under the impression that someone who identifies as another sex needs mental health treatment. Where in fact, this is now considered to be offensive as well as outdated thinking. A person who identifies as another gender is neither sick nor mentally ill. Yet, a person with gender dysphoria may have symptoms that do need treating. These include depression, stress, and anxiety. These are the traits and feelings addressed with the help of a professional.

Treatment Options

There is a variety of treatment options for anxiety, stress, and depression. The treatment is not about making the person think a different way about their gender. Instead, treatment is based on the aforementioned symptoms that sometimes arise from gender dysphoria. It focuses on the symptoms of how a person feels, often due to societal norms. These therapies include individual, group and family therapy, holistic healing practices for effective stress management, life skills and coping skills classes. If you or someone you love experiences anxiety, depression, or stress due to gender dysphoria, there is help. We have customized treatment plans because we realize that everyone is not the same. A one-size-fits-all approach is not what we’re about. Along with psychotherapy, Florida Addiction Treatment Center specializes in experiential treatment and holistic treatment. Contact us to get started on your journey of healing.