During gender transition, your emotional and mental health should be improving, but that may not be the case due to our society's tendency to unfairly pathologize women, men, non-binary people, and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community who choose to transition. Being transgender is often viewed as a sickness, but detractors use it as an umbrella term that covers everything except cisgender norms. They're not interested in learning about treatments. Their sole concern is to decry antd demonize all things transgender. Transgender folks need to be cured, they say, but in the same breath, they rant about how unnatural it is to transition.
“You're sick,” they say to the hopeful teen who's ready to be honest about experiencing gender dysphoria. “You're sick,” they sneer at the transwoman who's brave enough to start presenting as the correct gender at work. “You're sick,” they hiss at the transman who's ready to begin testosterone treatments. “You're sick,” they insist, and as they do so, they point to the harrowing statistics of attempted suicide among transgender and non-binary teens, as if they care at all.
Gender dysphoria is not a mental illness, but even if it was still classified that way, these people are too obstinate or outright ignorant to understand that transitioning is the cure. To them, your very identity as a transgender person is the sickness. Political games and social media soundbites force you into the spotlight, turning your identity into a debate and inviting the masses to give an opinion. It comes from all sides.
At a time in your life when you're taking steps to live as your authentic self, factions of our culture want to deny your right to simply exist. You are not sick, but hearing rants and sermons and tirades that scream otherwise can take its toll. It negatively impacts your mental health and your emotions, which can certainly lead to physical illness.
Right now you should be blossoming. You should be getting to know your authentic self. Regardless of your age, your culture, or your story, you're brave for embracing who you are. Ignoring the haters is a cliché that's easier said than done, but you can block out the negativity and the noise. Focus instead on your mental, physical, and emotional health during this exciting journey.
Work with a Doctor You Trust
Finding a primary care physician who listens to you and doesn't dismiss your feelings is essential. It's even more important to work with a doctor who understands gender dysphoria and transitioning, especially as it relates to the health problems of each individual. Your doctor should be able to guide you through the varying methods of transition while providing detailed information about any risks or side-effects of which to be aware. Feel free to ask pointed questions when you consult with a doctor for the first time. Ask about her or his experience with transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary people. You have to feel comfortable. You need to trust your doctor and your doctor needs to believe you.
Healthcare is difficult enough to navigate for transgender folks. If you're uninsured or under-insured, there are still options available to you. Networks exist to put people in touch with primary care physicians, surgeons, and mental health services. Although these are crucial to the physical and mental health of transgender people, insurance often refuses to cover them. There may be barriers blocking your access to healthcare, but there are safe avenues available to you.
Safety is paramount. Hormone therapies, such as puberty blockers, estrogen, or testosterone shots, are possible treatments for transitioning. It's devastating to discover that they’re not available because of your insurance or the out-of-pocket cost, but you can find access to affordable, safe hormone medication to help you transition.
Self-Care Through Diet
It may seem like a hippie philosophy, but nurturing your body through a nutritious diet supports your health, as well. Food is magical that way. In a single smoothie, you can get mega-doses of vitamins that make you feel calmer, happier, more energetic, and stress-free. Vitamins C, D, E, and K are well-known for their mood-boosting properties. Besides, do you really need a reason to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables?
The food you eat can also have a positive effect in ways that pertain to your transition. Yams have long been consumed based on the belief that they contain estrogen. It's true to an extent. Yams contain diosgenin, a chemical that can be converted into estrogen or steroids in a lab. It's frequently spotted in estrogen therapy treatments. Although the body can't convert diosgenin to estrogen, people continue to claim that yams ease menstrual cramps, enlarge the breasts, and enhance sexual desire in women and men. Even if yams aren't capable of all that, they do increase your energy, so that's a win.
What you drink matters, as well. Don't trust alcohol to erase your problems. It's too easy to self-medicate, so bear that in mind. Hydration is more important than you think it is, but you need more than water. Indulge in some self-care with a cup of tea and a good book! Chamomile and lavender teas are perfect for calming down, while matcha tea is full of antioxidants, is stress-relieving, yet provides just enough of a boost to get you through the day without the jitters.
Find a Therapist Who Makes You Feel Comfortable
A trustworthy therapist is as vital to your health as a doctor. It's generally necessary to talk to a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist before undergoing gender transition. Your therapist is part of the support network with which you need to surround yourself. That includes the people who love you and stand by you. There are various methods of therapy used to help people through transition, ranging from behavioral therapy to hypnotherapy for deeper understanding. Again, please know that there are affordable therapists who are eager to help you regardless of insurance. If nothing else, you need an unbiased person willing to listen to your emotions, fears, and frustrations. Surround yourself with supportive people as you make one of the biggest decisions in your life. You want to make yourself 100% sure that you have considered and talked through all the issues and have your support network in place before moving forward.
You are not sick because you are transgender. You are not sick because you are transitioning. If you take away nothing else, walk away knowing that you have support out there, even if you don't know it. Please take the time to educate yourself about the entire process and seek out a recommendation for an appropriate counselor to help you. You and your health matter.
