How can someone with depression explain to his family about gender dysphoria?

Question

Hi doctor,

I think I have gender dysphoria and may be transgender since I was a kid and always wanted to be a boy, I even told my parents as a kid, but they just laughed it off and got angry at me later. I cross-dress at home when everyone is away. I lie to people online and tell them I am a boy. When I found out about transgender people and gender dysphoria, I thought that, yeah, finally, it is me, and I can be a boy. I came out to my sister, but she thinks I am a tomboy and not transgender. Is there any way to confirm that I am a transgender? I think I am trans, but she thinks I am a tomboy, and I do not know how to confirm it to her or what to do I am depressed and was about to cut myself yesterday. I would not say I like all that. I do not know what to do anymore.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Life is precious, and you get it only once, so please do not think of doing anything that will put your life in danger. First of all, be calm and patient. You are 18 years old you still have a lot of time left on your hand. Do not hurry up and come to a conclusion. There is a lot you can do in life, and being transgender is not a crime. So do not lose hope. Coming to your query, from the information you gave me, it looks like you are suffering from a gender identity disorder. Still, I will need more information about your childhood to make a diagnosis. Gender identity disorder is still very rare, so the reaction you are getting from your parents or sister is completely natural. You can not blame them for not understanding it because you are in a dilemma. So blaming them and doing something to your life will be wrong. I would suggest that you get this problem resolved and face a very beautiful life. Too much tension regarding your gender also leads you to depressive symptoms, so before it becomes a big problem, I think you should take help as soon as possible to overcome this situation.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.