Back to School with Gender Dysphoria
It’s that time of year!
School is starting up again. The anticipation of school stress can bring up a lot of questions and concerns for students with gender dysphoria. Maybe you’re starting a new school or registering as transgender for the first time. Maybe this year you’ll change your pronouns or your name. Or maybe it will be the same as last year and you know you’ll have to deal with that same staff member and those same kids that won’t respect or acknowledge your chosen identity. No matter what situation you’re facing, going back to school can be scary!
These are just a few of the anxious questions that could be racing through your mind:
Will my teachers call me by the right name and pronouns?
Are people going to stare at me trying to figure out what I am?
Will there be any other kids with gender dysphoria or will I be the only one?
What if I have to explain my gender identity to people every day… all day?
What bathroom will I use?
How bad will the bullying be?
What if I have a panic attack in class?
How will I handle the huge crowds with my social anxiety?
With all of these anxious questions unanswered, the idea of going to school can be terrifying. Students with Gender Dysphoria have unique struggles that other students don’t have to deal with.
Remember, you are not alone.
Thousands of students across the country are worried about these same questions. Take it one day at a time. Breathe, calm yourself, and just take it one step at a time. Worrying about all the possibilities doesn’t help. Just take one step at a time. You will get there, and you will find your people. You will find your group. Others just like you are waiting to connect with you and support you along the way.
If possible, talk to your school counselor. Maybe they can arrange for you to visit their office, or lay in the nurse’s station if you ever get overwhelmed. If you can’t do that then pack your fidgeting putty, or make yourself an awesome playlist with your favorite music! Do what you gotta do to cope!
Lastly, reward yourself at the end of the day.
You did it! You faced the anxiety and persevered! Now you can relax, recover, and remember to be kind to yourself. You deserve to rest… Today, you were strong and courageous! Well done!