Gender dysphoria is when a person (at least six months) feels a distinct and unbearable discomfort and difference between the biological sex they were born with and the gender identity they feel. This is different from the concept of 'gender nonconformity'. 'Gender nonconforming' means not behaving in the way that gender requires, is taught, and stereotypes. (For example, girls don't wear skirts, boys play with dolls, girls want to play with boys, etc.)
Children can start to realize their gender identity from the age of three and experience the stress of it if they have a discontent. Children usually show these disorders distinctly, unlike adults and adolescents. For example, if girls see a penis in men and realize that they do not have it, they may cry or openly express it verbally as “Mom, I am a daughter”. /p> However, it should not be forgotten that a study shows that not every child between the ages of 5 and 12 who experiences gender dysphoria does not continue this displeasure during adolescence. In only 12 to 50% of them, this situation continues into adolescence and adulthood. Adolescence, however, this situation is very different. Adolescents who are angry, unhappy, unable to feel belonging anywhere or trying to feel belonging somewhere/someone become more introverted, depressed, and/or angry with their gender dissatisfaction. They may show self-harming and suicidal behaviors. Substance and alcohol use may increase. Since the discovery of sexuality can happen on their own and without knowledge, they may be prone to contracting sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, when this difference in themselves is noticed by their peers from the outside, they may be exposed to peer bullying. In another study, 81.4% of transgender individuals realized their identity in high school; however, they stated that they did not know whom to contact and where to talk to. . The things that need to be done for these people to be supported and accepted, to allow gender expressions, to feel safe and loved, to get professional support.
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