Those who are addressing being transgender, often for the first time in their lives, find themselves not only in a strange sea of emotions, but a brew of depression and anxiety. Who can blame us?
Depression is not being sad, although one may have sad thoughts. Depression can be fed by sad events like the loss of loved ones whether by disconnection or death. Depression is most identified with taking the joy and meaning from life. My recent life has been a classic example of this. Activities that normally interest me such as music and art have had no appeal, even the jewelry making which is a really new activity.
In Escaping the Past I talk about the baggage I brought to the table with me and how it affected my relationships moving forward. But the biggest effect was how it shredded a solid relationship I had with my daughter. Some of that doubtless would have happened as she sought independence, but not as extreme. To date we still have some distance between us.
Of course as I talk about in Depression, this was not my only experience, just the most severe and one that brought suicidal thoughts along with it. The holidays are a particular experience, but deserve a separate treatment.
Then there have been other lonely times such as when I was in Philly to have my reassignment surgery (The True Cost of SRS), where I was, at first very reticent to ask for support and help. It’s hard to overemphasize that people can’t know you need help if you don’t ask or let them know you need the help.
My Gifted Life 