New and slightly overwhelmed

[Terry]

Hi, I'm Terry. First of all, I'm really glad that I've found this forum. It is really helpful to read through all the different topics on here.

 

Thinking about my gender is fairly new to me. Probably it simply took me many years to be honest enough with myself. It was a bit of an eye-opener when I looked up the DSM-V definition of gender dysphoria and found that I can easily tick 4 out of 6 boxes (and the other 2 to some extent I guess). It's hard for me to untangle what is actually due to gender, gender expression, gender roles and gender stereotypes, general body image etc.

 

And then there is also this discrepancy between tackling dysphoria and just getting on with my life. Who knows, maybe it will come more natural than I imagine at this point. But the idea that many decisions I might take will actually be permanent is frankly scary.

[DenimAndLace]

25 minutes ago, Terry said:

But the idea that many decisions I might take will actually be permanent is frankly scary.

 

Hi Terry,

I think it's safe to speak for others and say, we've all been overwhelmed by our gender "issues" at times.  The good news is you don't have to make any decisions.  You're in a safe place to explore and you are in the driver's seat.  No one here or in a doctor's office can make you do anything that you're not comfortable with.  Everything goes at YOUR pace (until you want it to go faster LOL).  You've got the rest of your life to figure everything out. One. Comfortable. Step. At. A. Time. 

[MaryEllen]

Hello Terry,

 

Welcome to TransPulse.  I would suggest consulting with a gender therapist.  He or she can help you find answers to your questions.

 

MaryEllen

[Jani]

Hello Terry and welcome.  We're glad you found us too.  As you note many decisions are scary, but you do go at your own pace as noted by DenimAndLace.  We're here to offer any support that we can or to answer any questions you have.   Looking forward to hearing from you. 

 

Jani

[Charlize]

Welcome Terry.  like you i came here very confused but knowing something needed to be understood better.  Reading and sharing here helped a great deal.  As Mary Ellen suggested i also went to a gender therapist.  I've found peace with my issues over time and with help.  Glad you've joined us here.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[tracy_j]

Hi Terry

 

Welcome

 

Tracy x

 

[Timber Wolf]

Hi Terry,

Welcome to TransPulse.

 

Something I learned early on was to slow down and take a deep breath. There is so much to learn and so much info out there it can be overwhelming. There's no rush to learn it, just enjoy the journey!

 

Lots of love and a big welcome hug,

Timber Wolf?

[Terry]

Thanks everybody for the welcoming words and advice! It's nice to have found such a welcoming community, it certainly makes things easier.