The Link Between Social Anxiety and Dysphoria.
How common is it to have social anxiety alongside gender dysphoria? So common that Dr. Z calls them a "married couple." People often inaccurately assume they're struggling with social anxiety or have developed social anxiety disorder, but in reality, it just feels or seems that way on the surface—not actually a full-blown diagnosis.
Why dysphoria creates isolation: Your body is the container you navigate the world with, and people are quick and accustomed to gendering each other automatically. To avoid being misgendered, to avoid being seen, you seek isolation. You minimize social interactions—go out less, hang out with friends less, decrease everything because you feel discomfort with your body.
What develops on the surface looks like social anxiety—fear of being socially out in the world. This is why many of you incorrectly assume you're introverted when you're actually quite extroverted. You withdraw from experiences, making fear grow even higher.
Watch to find out how Dr. Z knows this isn't real social anxiety disorder for most people, what happens when you start transition and feel comfortable in your body, and why she encourages not drastically isolating yourself.
