Dysphoria The Naked Truth

What is dysphoria? Well, if you’ve got it, or had it, you know what it feels like. Bloody Horrible. It is from Greek meaning a difficult to bear, uncomfortable mood. The opposite of dysphoria is obviously euphoria. Now, I certainly can’t guess what will make you feel euphoric or know what triggers you off into an uncomfortable or restless mood but that, I suggest, forms the basis for a plan of attack to control those Mood Indigo blues.

The first time I heard of anyone being trans, having a gender that does not match the gender typically associated with the genitalia they were born with and the phrase being “born in the wrong body” was in the early 70’s. Maybe I didn’t identify myself as trans then because I felt that nature had hiccupped and simply bestowed me with the wrong gender. Yes, do smile here, that’s fine.

So why do we get dysphoria? Why do parts of me make me feel “Yuk”, I suppose because I was born into my culture with its own particular history and beliefs about the body. We don’t see a body, as it is, with naked eyes but through the eyes of someone who has learned what a female or male body looks like. There may as well be a large bright pink neon sign above me saying “female”. Ironic and tragic that someone else would love to have the boobage I could easily live without. I wish I could detach it and send it to someone. Does my chest make me feel female? Actually no, it is my brain that tells me my gender. It is how I think. Labels ruddy labels, I feel like a suitcase because now I need the T shirt that says “I can’t even think straight”.


Dysphoria alters our focus, ok it makes us feel crappy, then we feel guilty about being miserable so and so’s to know but it changes our focus away from the relentless pressure to spend a small fortune on hair dye for example. Heck some stray grey is the least of your worries when you are peering at your parents and grandparents to see if they have Male Pattern Baldness. I counter the tv commercials by turning off the sound or ripping the narrative to bits. I could just go and put the kettle on but it doesn’t suit me, nor does the tea cosy. The tea cosy makes me look like Benny from Crossroads.

Seriously, I can do without negative thoughts. That energy could be better spent doing something that makes me feel good or makes my partner feel good because I get pleasure from making my partner feel loved and appreciated. Be your own hero/ine. Never forget your good points, if necessary write an inventory of them to read when you need a boost. Also save energy by clearing the decks. If you have health, home or work difficulties find someone who can help. Reciprocate with help too.

Finally, for part one, have a rant. Really, it’s fine not to have a stiff upper lip, especially if you fancy sipping a pink gin, you would dribble. You deserve to let off steam. Steam room, first door on your right up the hall.