Revisiting Episode 14: The Real Ways to Manage Gender Dysphoria
This episode continues to be very helpful for parents as Sasha and I explore the practical ways to help a person resolve gender dysphoria
Watch here:
The misinformed presumption that gender dysphoria can only be managed through medication and/or surgery is blown out of the water in this episode of Gender: A Wider Lens. Sasha and I take on one of the most entrenched myths in the gender debate — that the only solution to gender dysphoria is medical transition — and replace it with a far richer, more human perspective.
We emphasise that gender dysphoria is a form of human distress, no different in its nature from other mental or emotional struggles, and that it can be understood, managed, and often reduced through a wide variety of approaches. Rather than rushing into medicalisation, the conversation explores practical, holistic, and psychological tools that can help individuals find relief while preserving their options for the future.
Highlights from the discussion:
Gender dysphoria is mental distress — and like all distress, it’s worth asking: what else might be going on?
Anxiety can manifest in surprising ways — even insomnia might be a clue.
Sometimes dysphoria is tangled up with envy of another body type, or discomfort with your own physical changes.
Exposure shapes belief — the “illusory truth effect” means the more you see or hear something, the more likely you are to accept it, even if you initially doubted it.
Social dysphoria — distress about how you’re perceived in the world — can be just as real and just as important to address as physical dysphoria.
Physical movement matters — there’s immense power in engaging with your body through exercise, sport, or simply being physically present in life.
Be aware of fantasy traps — believing that changing your body will guarantee happiness can keep you stuck.
Track your mood before and after being online — what’s really making you feel better or worse?
Sasha and I also reflect on broader cultural shifts: how therapy used to be seen as a last resort, how privilege can sometimes silence genuine feelings, and how our biological drives — from our animal ancestry to our need for social belonging — still shape us today.
For parents, the message is clear: Don’t rush. If your child is experiencing gender distress, take time to explore all possible causes and solutions. Managing dysphoria is about far more than a prescription or a surgical plan — it’s about helping someone build resilience, find connection, and engage with their body and life in meaningful ways.
Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode
The Detransitioners by Laura Dodsworth, The Sunday Times: /the-detransitioners
Alternatives to Deal with Gender Dysphoria by Nelemil: /alternatives-to-deal-with-gender-dysphoria
Illusory Truth Effect: https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/illusory-truth-effect
William Glasser’s Emotional Needs: https://www.headstuff.org/topical/science/emotional-needs
The Time in Between by Nancy Tucker: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Between-Memoir-Nancy-Tucker/dp/1846275106
Advice for Gender Dysphoric Teens: /advice-for-gender-dysphoric-teens
Storm Warnings by Adrienne Rich: https://www2.atmos.umd.edu/~dankd/adriennerichstormwarnings.html
Watch the full episode here:
YouTube Link
Let us know your thoughts! Have you thoughts on how to manage gender dysphoria?
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