A personal approach to navigating triggers, upsets and everyday life
The life of an optimistic mind and an incomplete body of a transgender person isn’t easy living with the dysphoria and triggers that surrounds the shell around them.
Some transgendered people deal with the struggle referred to as “dysphoria.” When someone is dysphoric, they do not feel comfortable in the body they are currently living in, so that is why some opt to undergo surgeries and hormone replacement therapy.
For a transgender person, there are so many different emotions they will likely endure because of repressed masculinity or femininity. There are triggers and aspects that linger around in society that can continuously tear one down.
As someone who is transgender, I battle daily with the struggle of presenting themselves more masculine or more feminine in order to pass as that assumed gender role. “Passing” means when you successfully show the public and yourself that your mind and appearance match up even if your body does not.
Triggers can be set off by events or emotions that have happened in the past, which can lead to self-repression. Unfortunately, triggering things occur very sporadically throughout our lives and one does not always have control over them. A trigger can occur in any emotional situation. It also occurs quite often in trauma victims who suffered from rape, molestation, gone to war, or suffered from bullying or suicide attempts.
It is good when possible to avoid triggering someone. When you trigger someone it can stir up a bunch of different of emotions or flashbacks that you may have not even intended.
If you are talking to someone on a personal level and cross lines that someone isn’t ready for, they could become triggered. If you trigger someone, let them know that you’re apologetic. It is good to know if someone has experienced any triggers, so that you can avoid them in anyway possible.
A transgender person could have emotional triggers of not being “passing enough” and it can continuously affect them until they feel complete with their transition. For example, a transgendered individual could be potentially triggered when they walk into the bathroom and are stared down because they don’t “pass”. No one wants to be judged on the way they present themselves, or for simply being themselves. Try and be understanding. These triggers will cease, just try to avoid them as much as you can.
It is good to know what your own personal boundaries are so you know when you could potentially become overwhelmed. If you feel overwhelmed or distressed by the person who suffers a mental disorder or even has triggers, make sure they know how you’re feeling in the moment. It isn’t rude, it’s protecting your mental insanity from deteriorating. It is important to ensure your mental sanity as well as others.
When a person who is transgender is misgendered with their pronouns, it can potentially trigger them because it will make them feel as if they don’t pass as their gender identity. Personally, I have been misgendered and it has made me feel that in that moment I do not “pass” as who I truly am. It did hurt me mentally and emotionally, but I learned that people make mistakes and that it is okay to correct them and let them know that they are forgiven. It is okay to make mistakes!
Be safe and mindful of yourself. If you can help others, most certainly try and do it. Everyone goes through ups and downs. Know your triggers and if possible, know other people’s triggers and try to avoid them. Encourage yourself and know that it will get better. Love yourself and reach out for help if you need it.
