Mental Health Support
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So my doctor took me off testosterone for the month since my levels are normal. But still told me my estrogen was high still. Thing is with my dysphoria I don't want to lower them. I'm happy to be off testosterone since I want to go the other way now. But now that I've been off my T. I'm feeling tired again, sluggish, and worst of all. My depression has returned and so much worse than before.
Examples like I've already had one breakdown this morning, I'm becoming very overly sensitive to what others are doing around me, my best friend only coming around when she needs me and keeps me so hidden. So that isn't helping at all.
I'm worried about transitioning now because I'm afraid I won't look how I want to look. Like I do not want any masculine part of me remaining and I keep thinking over and over I won't.
I know some people are probably getting tired of me posting here so much but I don't know who else I can really talk to. Can't afford my therapist anymore. So...yeah. I don't know what else to say.
murielm99
(31,478 posts)We are here to provide support.
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)That's always been a biggest worry of mine is just completely saturating a board with just depressing posts. But I just don't know what else to do or talk to. Most people here are older I'm still pretty young I'm only 30 so talking to somebody my age isn't exactly something you can really do
torius
(1,652 posts)They have boards with different topics and there seem to be a lot of young people. My suggesting it doesn't mean I don't want you to post here. I don't mind you posting here!
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)I thought maybe was like a board for psychics or something that's what I initially thought
Rhiannon12866
(223,396 posts)And with what's going on in this country right now, it's not unusual that everyone is under additional stress. So if you just look at the forum, you have to know you're not alone. As far as therapy is concerned, I don't know specifics, but is there a group you could join? I'm in AA, but I know lots of folks in other support groups and it's been a real eye-opener to learn how many there are. And there are even groups online these days, especially now that many groups aren't meeting in person. Your doctor might know...
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)She's done that a few times and every time I take the meds it messes me up further
cayugafalls
(5,755 posts)Have you tried meditation and deep breathing exercises to relax?
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)I feel very uneasy in a quiet room with my eyes closed. But I haven't tried deep breathing exercises that does that work?
cayugafalls
(5,755 posts)Part of relaxation is quieting the mind and eyes closed is part of it. Try it without closing your eyes, not sure if you will get the full benefit but it is worth a try to start, maybe you can progress to closing your eyes as you get comfortable.
Get comfortable.
As you breathe in, imagine the air is filled with peace and calm. As you breathe out imagine the air is filled with all your stress and tension. Recite in your mind a calming phrase when breathing in, "I am breathing in calm and peace", recite as you breathe out, "I am breathing out my stress and tension". Or simply, "Calm and Peace", "Stress and Tension".
Breathe in through your nose. Let your belly fill with air. Take deep breaths.
Breathe out through your nose.
Place one hand on your belly. Place the other hand on your chest.
As you breathe in, feel your belly rise. As you breathe out, feel your belly lower. The hand on your belly should move more than the one that's on your chest.
Take three more full, deep breaths. Breathe fully into your belly as it rises and falls with your breath.
Do this for 10 or 15 minutes if you can. Take deep breaths anytime you can during the day and recite your mantras. "Calm and Peace", "Stress and Tension".
After awhile, simply taking a deep breathe will help calm you.
As for meditation, you can meditate anywhere. Sit at a table, fold your hands in front of you and focus on your breathing (do your exercises if you want as a start) and a point far away. Let your mind clear and quiet down. Picture a blank wall. Let the world go fuzzy in your focus. Do not close your eyes at first, try it with them open. By fuzzy focus, I mean that focus you get sometimes when you aren't really focused on an object and your vision gets a little blurry.
Deep breathing is also good when you drink tea. Start a ritual. Have a cup of really nice smelling tea. I use Breathe Right by Yogi Teas. Inhale the aroma. Exhale the stress. Take a sip and let the peace and calm wash over you as the warm tea fills your belly.
Treat yourself well, you deserve it, you are important and good and deserve to breathe well. Breathing is the essence of life.
Be well.
DarthDem
(5,367 posts)I saw your thread on the latest page and wanted to let you know that you're never bothering anybody by reaching out - not to mention so politely like you did! It will get better soon.
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)I guess I'm confused by that
DarthDem
(5,367 posts)Last edited Mon Jul 27, 2020, 02:00 AM - Edit history (1)
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)I appreciate that
peacefreak2.0
(1,029 posts)Youre on a really hard road during a really difficult time. It takes a lot of courage to follow your path. You are honoring who you are on the inside. Dont worry too much about not looking like you want to. Your inner strength will shine through and reflect who you are. And lets face it, most of us arent happy with our outside shells. Sending love. 😘
cate94
(2,892 posts)Honestly. It is a difficult road, but people are much more accepting than they were before. You got this.
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)I'm just at this point fighting it alone
cate94
(2,892 posts)We are here for you!
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)Its just like my own friends don't understand
duforsure
(11,885 posts)We'll always be here for you . Having someone close in the family suffering from lifelong mental health issues it is a constant struggle, but one that can be controlled. When you find yourself slipping into an area you know you don't want to be heading towards look for things to divert your attention to peaceful pleasant things you love. Music helped me when my health issues had me reeling in constant pain, and I've expanded now using You Tube video's of people hiking , camping, eating out around the world, and things I know I will never be able to do , but can enjoy thru others. Love nature video's , and travel, and instructional stuff. Find things you love , and when you feel bad get your attention to those things. Don't know if you can , but it's helped me dealing with my health issues. Good luck and take care of yourself. I have Muscular Dsytrophy and Parkinson's, and other issues they haven't figured out yet. Be thankful and always think of others who have it a lot worse. I think of the little kids i see it at the MD clinic and it makes me realize it could have been much worse for me. The shaking from my Parkinson's have made me a hit with my little dog and cat for massages .
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)I hate that you have all those illnesses and can't do things like you would like. That's why I feel guilty about posting stuff like this because I know I don't have it as bad as some people
cayugafalls
(5,755 posts)We all need help sometimes, reach out whenever you need help.
That is why we are here.
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)But it doesnt mean it makes me feel like I'm being annoying
Hekate
(95,049 posts)...and unsure.
But in fact you are very strong. Youve chosen a very hard path in fact, you are on a Heros Journey. You have set out to find your authentic self, which may be the hardest thing of all.
When I was in grad school in the Mythological Studies Program in my late 40s, of course the work of Joseph Campbell and of Jung were central. Fascinating stuff, for sure. But Heros Journeys are gendered, as you may know. Fortunately a number of women had taken up the subject by that time, and it was my joy to discover them too, because of how they spoke to me, personally.
My point in saying this is that I hope you can find the mythological/psychological ground of your story among authors who have come along since those days. In my mind I am reviewing my library, and I dont see transitioning there or I would recommend an author, but I acquired most of those books 20 years ago. My dissertation Advisor was a woman named Christine Downing, who wrote extensively on mythology and gender from a very personal perspective, having been married to a man for 25 years, birthed 4 children, and at the time I knew her was partnered with a woman who was a powerful poet in her own right.
I hope you dont think this is intrusive. But your post spoke to me and to my experience that each of us is living a story, and that we can choose to change that story by becoming conscious of it. Youre doing that. If you are okay with book suggestions, I can do a little research (i.e. rummage around) and see what I can find...
To be nobody but yourself
In a world which is trying night and day to make you everybody else
Means to fight the hardest battle anyone can fight
And never stop fighting
I read that in a magazine when I was all of 18, and cut it out and saved it for many years; it is probably still among my college papers from the 1960s, brittle paper nibbled around the edges by mites. It might be by e.e. cummings... It sounds like him.
Its almost 3 a.m. and I am getting quite foggy, so I will stop soon before I completely lose the thread. So one last thing: every human being who sets out needs companions, allies, friends. No one goes it alone. No one gets there alone. I hope you find allies in person, such as your therapist (yes, I know, $$$). But given the suggestions in some of the other posts, there may be specific online sites. And I think there may be some allies here.
Take care of yourself. Try that breathing thing. Stay safe.
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)I can admire that you kept the quote for so long and get inspiration from it I'm glad you shared that with me. But I hope I find allies because I've been fighting this for a long time just kind of alone at this point. Like I said I don't like bothering people with it so I keep it to myself.
But gender was all but a thing we portrayed as somebody who was born physically as that not mentally anymore. I don't believe I was meant to be this way because I'm just not masculine
genxlib
(5,710 posts)Post all you need to. I don't know how much we can help but we will try.
I can't imagine what you are going through. It takes so much courage to live your truth. Hang in there and know that you will get through it.
I know this seems cliche, but I find this to be one of the most powerful and uplifting songs I have ever heard. It makes me cry every time. This particular version was done on the James Cordon show as part of the quarantine so it carries a particular relevance right now.
Hang in there. You will be found.
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)I will give this a listen to later when I have a chance after sleeping. I always like uplifting songs they helped me a lot in the past. But I'm hanging in there as I can
safeinOhio
(34,203 posts)I'm an old White straight against hate male. I've been on Testosterone replacement for 25 years.
Getting the correct dosage and and blood levels has always been a struggle. To low and I'm depressed and lethargic, not good. High levels are just as bad.
Testing every 6 months is critical and getting to the lowest possible dose is always my goal. I give myself a small injections weekly. The weekly is important as there is a spike in 4 or 5 days and a crash in another few days. I'm currently on .2 ml/week and has me at a good level. That is half of what I use to take to get the same results.
I am aware of a rise in estrogen rebound after use. As a male, my doctors don't seem too concern and don't test for it.
My point is, takes a lot of work to get it right, but well worth it.
Best of luck. I've had mental health issues for a long time and ended up getting a degree in Clinical Psychology just to understand depression and tend to go with Behavioral approaches. Stay busy, socialize and seek out understanding friends.
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)Finding friends around here especially understanding friends is a very difficult process. I mean I just don't know how testosterone has so much power over how the brain works and how it affects us well at least us men
hunter
(39,005 posts)I've had some meds fade in effectiveness, and I've quit others because I didn't like the side effects, sometimes cold-turkey against medical advice.
Testosterone would be one of those meds with a lot of side effects.
vercetti2021
(10,403 posts)It doesn't mix well with my high estrogen