How To Help Children And Youth With Gender Identity Concerns
Gender Dysphoria
Gender Dysphoria is a condition characterized by intense feelings of being the wrong gender. It is extremely confusing having the body of one gender and the experience, thoughts and feelings are of the opposite gender. No one knows for sure what causes it. Children & youth can be aware of this very early in their lives–feeling different, wrong, and often bad because of it. Without support this can be very crippling physically, emotionally, intellectually and socially. Without assistance, a child or youth’s self-confidence can be severely damaged–possibly lasting throughout life. Self-loathing, isolation and withdrawal can result. Children & youth often know quite early in their lives that their gender identity is not the one expected by their parents, family and schoolmates. Anxiety results when the child or youth does not feel support for who he/she is. Gender identity anxiety can create confusion and alienation. Gender identity anxiety can be due to and complicated by: a lack of celebration and appreciation for differences; community and family patterns of judgment; parental fear and misunderstanding; a lack of sensitive support from the extended family and friends; adult ignorance; prejudice; fear; fear of differences; complicity in allowing suffering; simplistic thinking; social pressure.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Long Walks/Hikes • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Nature • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games |
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For Parents: • Support your child or youth in his/her exploration of what is true for her/him and protect him/her from prejudice. • Get therapeutic help in releasing emotional and intellectual blocks which prevent you from giving support and protection. • Get therapy/counseling to help deal with your anxiety and mixed emotions about issues of gender identity. Locate therapists who are knowledgeable and comfortable with issues of gender. • Get support from other parents wanting to support their children & youth facing these concerns. • Learn about the gender identity your child or youth chooses. • Your love and support is needed by your child or youth. Your child or youth needs your love, acceptance and support not your fears and embarrassments. • Avoid teasing or pressure. Protect your child or youth from it. • Enjoy and celebrate whatever gender identity your child or youth expresses. • Overcome the mainstream medical, psychological and religious communities’ ideas of what is sane, healthy, normal about gender. • Some families choose to find doctors who use medicines to delay puberty until the youth is sure about her/his gender identity, thus allowing time to avoid the challenges of transitioning. |
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Check out: www.critpath.org/pflag-talk/gid.htm; www.Medlineplus.gov. |