Distancing Too Much?
Distancing is really helpful for very intense experiences of the gender dysphoria and is always an appropriate response to anti-trans harm. BUT if we use distancing too much, we can end up feeling lonely and isolated because we are avoiding living our lives. It is important that we check in with ourselves and make sure we are not utilizing distancing too much.
How to Know If You’re Distancing Too Much (Cómo saber si estás usando “distancing” demasiado)
- You find yourself avoiding most social events or opportunities, even the ones you might usually enjoy—and you’re starting to feel lonely or left out.
- You’re feeling emotionally numb or kind of empty, like you’re disconnected from how you feel or what matters to you.
- You’re not finding the same joy in life, maybe because you’ve been avoiding too many places or situations that used to bring you happiness or connection.
- Te encuentras evitando la mayoría de los eventos sociales u oportunidades, incluso los que normalmente disfrutarías, y empiezas a sentirte solo/a/e o excluido/a/e.
- Te sientes emocionalmente entumecido/a/e o un poco vacío/a/e, como si estuvieras desconectado/a/e de lo que sientes o de lo que te importa.
- Ya no encuentras la misma alegría en la vida, quizás porque has estado evitando demasiados lugares o situaciones que antes te daban felicidad o conexión.
If you’re noticing these signs, lean into mindful awareness and action coping. (Si estás notando estas señales, recurre a “mindful awareness” y “action coping”.) These other strategies can help you reconnect with the parts of life that matter to you—like joy, relationships, and self-expression.
Keep in mind that when the gender dysphoria feels too overwhelming, it’s okay to take a break, but otherwise, try out other coping skills to handle it. (Ten en cuenta que cuando la disforia de género se siente demasiado abrumadora, está bien tomar un descanso, pero en otros momentos, intenta usar otras habilidades de afrontamiento para manejarla.)