Emotional problems are extremely common and can be considered as a normal adjustment reaction to such a major life event. Gender dysphoria, in itself, is unpleasent and distressing with a clear treatment that involves a carefully planned and supported gender transition.

Gender dysphoria is anxiety, unhappiness or persistent uncomfortable feelings about your assigned gender and people often describe feeling pressurised to behave or act in a way that is different from what they really want to do. More information about this can be found on the Gender Dysphoria page.

Emotional problems can manifest in a number of different ways. Some people describe feeling unhappy and tearful, other people feel tense and irritable and many describe interference with work, social activities and relationships. Having someone to talk to is vitally important. Sometimes talking to loved ones or family members is too difficult or impossible so seeking counselling or support through the transgender community is a useful way to share experiences and get appropriate support. Many transsexuals feel isolated from others in the same situation which only serves to make the emotional difficulties worse. More information on how to connect with others in the transgender community can be found on the Transgender Community page.

Although gender dysphoria is not a mental illness it can lead to significant distress and have a considerable effect on the way people live their lives, affecting their work, social life and relationships. Sometimes emotional problems can develop into a mental illness and needs specialist treatment and support. Find out more about this on the Mental Health Problems page.

Have you or anyone you know experienced emotional difficulties before, during or after transition? Tell us your own experiences in the Blog