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I think it was a tiktok i watched yestrrday, but it really got me wondering.
It stated that anxiety/depression disappearing when en femme is a sign of gender dysphoria.
This is one of the reasons i love dressing up to any extent. Freedom from anxiety and depression. When i dress, it goes away. Kyra takes the reigns and she doesnt put up with any of that nonsense.
I would have never guessed a few years ago, the impact of admitting and accepting my joy for crossdressing and expressing my femininity, no matter how secretive, would have such a huge impact on my well being.
Now personally, i chalked it up to changing personalities and letting my masculine self take a breather by adopting a more submissive/vulnerable role and self that doesnt have to worry about my work,stress,finances, etc....
Im certainly happier and more sure of myself when i take on the role of Kyra. As well as yearn for the next opportunity to be Kyra, nearly addicting to be honest.
So im wondering, is it actually dusphoria that im experiencing?
I'm no psychologist, but in your description of how dressing relieves your anxiety and depression (oh how I can relate), you didn't mention that being male-bodied was the source of these feelings. Rather, you expressed how taking on a feminine appearance on role provided emotional relief.
There are a great many gurls on CDH who have explicitly stated they don't want to stop being men, even though they, as you, find comfort in crossdressing.
If you are concerned about being dysphoric, it wouldn't be a bad idea to see a counselor. But it sounds to me like you simply find dressing as girl to be a wonderful, stress-relieving experience. And there's nothing wrong with that.
One thing to keep in mind, is to not allow perceived social pressures make you start to feel that since you like to dress like a girl, you should become a girl.
Ill agree with charlotte, im no psychologist either but i dont think dysphoria. If you think it is yes go see a counselor and check it out.
It sounds like your a man, know your a man and happy being a man....who happens to enjoy his fem side. I think for some of us older folks dressing wasnt accpted and was a closet thing. For some of us it still is and may always be.
Maybe theres a progression of sorts. For me it started so young it was just a curiosity. Then teenage years became a sexual fetish type thing now im older and its just a comfort thing. I just feel more comfortable dressed.
Theres no dysphoria there, i know who and what i am. Its just clothes i put on. Just like you would put on comfortable clothes when you get off work. Its just more complicated since its not a sociatal norm...i wish it would be though.
If its an anxiety release there are worse things than dressing. Some people drink, drugs, prostitution, over eat, all sorts of things. If putting on a dress releaves the stress and anxiety then what harm is it doing to anyone? I know as men the stress and pressures the world puts on us and its a nice release to just step out of it for a while, and be sombody different even if its just for a little bit.
Gonna jump on the bandwagon here and say your first instinct was probably correct. Crossdressing for many (myself included) is much like any other hobby (if mayhap slightly more habit-forming); it's a chance to blow off steam, to leave the cares of your life behind and just indulge in something, who cares what anyone else thinks?
Now I realize that may sound like a slightly selfish perspective, and it's important to have a sense of moderation about it, but giving yourself little rewards, getting those endorphins flowing in times of stress or depression, does wonders for your emotional health. And ultimately that equips you to be a more balanced, healthy individual.
If you're truly feeling like you're pretending to be male, or you're not yourself when not en femme, then yes I'd encourage you to seek counseling as our other sisters have said. But if you're basing this assessment solely on something you saw on tiktok... gosh, do I even need to finish this sentence? 😉
Me too. Best stress-buster ever. I feel so relaxed when dressed. It just feels somehow right, so maybe a little dysphoria. I have no desire to transition, barring daydreams about magic and/or pseudo science that would make me a petite blonde, I just want to look like a woman, and kid myself I feel like one for a little while.
Connie
xxx
Well, worry not. Coffee and tea are common too. And they Are addictive. By and large we do not suffer too badly ( until someone puts the sugar in …. Ugh )
I’m told love is addictive! Nobody complained to me about that!!!
So you are “ guilty” of being delighted with dressing. You are guilty of loving the sensation of wearing femme clothing.
I think I’ve caught your problem too- and the sugar is somewhat sweet too- the love of friends!!! It really gets me high!!
Now, friends, build on that….!! I hope you experts will bite the bait….!
Anya- ( being cheerful )
Hi Kyra!
What a morning jolt! "Coffee? No thanks, I'm good!" Great discussion. We need more of this.
My qualifications are very limited to advise, but if I may, I think "gender dysphoria" may lead to "gender realization"? It did for me and Big-Time!
I'm lucky I have a small chalet in a ski resort to disappear to. There's lots of folks milling about all the time. I'm girly full-on for 24/7, but can change back to boy mode in 30 seconds if someone knocks on my door. The only thing that doesn't change is my make up, mascara and lipstick (I keep it simple). No one has said anything.
I just feels right to be girly, and I too love that vulnerable feeling, but can change on-a-dime when needed. I got the best of both worlds!
But... I'm retired now. I've got complete freedom to explore who and what I am. I have no one to answer to except my SO and she loves the new mental and spiritual me. My thinking is clearer and my compassion has sky-rocketed. I'm no longer a "prick" that much anymore. Being a girl has benefited me greatly and my old buddies are delighted, but are scratching their heads!
All excellent answers here!
Good luck, Kyra!
xo Barb
Kyra,
I have seen a lot of YouTube videos on gender dysphoria. I know I suffer from it. When I look in the mirror to shave (if I don't have my panties on) I like to tuck my penis between my legs. I do not want a penis. I want a vagina and real breasts. But I cannot transition so I am stuck in my fantasy world. Being dressed is so relaxing and feels so natural. When I explore my womanhood each time I learn new tips on makeup and fashion. Luckily my wife is supportive. Yesterday morning, I gave her a fashion show trying on her dresses!
Dysphoria is real and uncomfortable. We have to explore our inner girl to understand it. Being dressed as much as possible helps me deal with it. When I wear my gaff and hip/butt pads under my yoga pants and sports bra and top and sandals so I can see my pretty toe nails life is better. Oh to be girl!
Hugs,
Hope
