Dysphoria Increases When Sick?

[AnAnxiousMess]

This might be something already well-covered—if so, apologies, I'm still new to the forums and finding my way around—but has anyone noticed that when they are under the weather (as I am right now with some sort of not-very-festive cold/flu-type thing) their feelings of dysphoria increase? Or at least their self-doubt? Most days I feel very comfortable being femme in a notably masc body, but the past couple of days, and really anytime I'm sick and feeling gross, I have noticed that not only does my dysphoria increase but also I feel so much more doubt/imposter syndrome about being trans—like I could never fully pass, like I'm a fraud, etc. Curious if anyone else has experienced this and/or has any idea why this might happen.

[Jackie C.]

Probably a combination of being sick, where you feel just awful about things in general and extra time to dwell on the bad things. "I feel bad about being sick so I ALSO feel bad about the rest of my life." Everything feels just a little worse when you're sick and that's enough for all the little brain bugs to come back out of their holes and tell you how awful you are at everything. Also it's hard to feel pretty when your nose is dripping like a faucet. You usually don't think of yourself as gross (I hope) so now that you feel gross... well that's not you, your dysphoria flares up, etc...

 

I'm sorry you're feeling sick though. It's that time of year. I find a little self-pampering usually helps my mood.

 

Hugs!

[AnAnxiousMess]

Thanks very much, Jackie. I think that's likely it—that your perception of yourself also tanks when feeling unwell—but I thought it worth asking all the same, as I have a close friend (AMAB) who is genderfluid and feels most themselves when on the femme side of things, and when sick feels distinctly stuck in a masc state of being. It's just one more wrinkle to dysphoria, which so often feels like a never-ending string of brambles one has to navigate.

[Lexi C]

Hey I feel that way. Jackie is right on money....Sleep and I good shave, face and legs always make me feel better. Get Better

[ShawnaLeigh]

Yes I too have felt this way.  I always was the biggest baby about not feeling well.  Headaches, etc.  They drag you down physically.  Which I can only assume can and does effect my mental state as well.  For years I did not understand this.  I do now a bit better knowing what I know now about my mental health.

I agree with Jackie in this.  Like usual.  Duh.  I always agree with Jackie.  LOL

She's one of the best.

[AnAnxiousMess]

12 hours ago, ShawnaLeigh said:

I agree with Jackie in this.  Like usual.  Duh.  I always agree with Jackie.  LOL

She's one of the best.

 

I've only been here a few days and can already see this (she's posted wonderful, insightful comments on both my posts so far. )