In search of self : Navigating Identity crisis and Gender dysphoria - Madhavi Roy, I Bsc Psychology

Identity crisis and gender dysphoria are two complex and interconnected phenomenon that have garnered significant attention over the fields of psychology, sociology, and gender studies. Both involve the exploration of one's identity and dwell into the intricate web of self discovery and finding the true self.

Looking through time, it can be said that first introduced by psychologist Erik Erikson in 1950s, the concept of identity crisis has its roots within history. According to him, there are different stages of development that individuals go through and at every stage; there is a particular crisis that they must solve so as to have a sense of self. According to Erikson, identity crisis occurs during adolescence when individuals are exploring their sense of self and trying to establish a cohesive identity.

However, on an opposite note, gender dysphoria refers to distress or discomfort arising from discordance between assigned birth sex and actual gender identity. This changed term was used instead of the previous wordings ‘Gender Identity Disorder’in DSM-5 because such a term fails to accommodate persons who live against traditional gender expectations.

The above mentioned Erik Erikson can be seen as one of the most key figures in the field of identity crisis, who set forth the basics for comprehending intricate identity formation. By and large, Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development has been a major contributor to our comprehension of how people succeed in establishing their identities.

In terms of gender dysphoria, clinical psychologist George Brown has been outspoken about what it is like to be transgender. His work has shown that transgender people need care that supports their gender identity rather than pathologizing them or trying to change them.

The effect of personality disorder and confusion about one’s gender is momentous as it fully infiltrates us. These people undergo through serious struggles when it comes to their mental health, acceptance by society and access to the right healthcare. They are quite stigmatized and discriminated against.

Recently, we have seen an increasing urge for inclusion in the provision of care that affirms gender dysphoria and identity crisis. People who advocate for mental well-being seek understanding from a wider audience as they emphasize on diverse gender identity and expression.

One area where the impact of identity crisis and gender dysphoria is particularly evident is in the healthcare system. There are certain challenges which transgender individuals face before being able to access medical treatment that suits them best for instance hormone therapy or surgeries affirming their new genders. It can be very risky for the overall health if there is no proper comprehension or support about dysphoric sexuality on physical level as well as psychological front.

Identity crisis and gender dysphoria have been influenced by various significant personalities. For instance, Judith Butler who is a philosopher as well as a gender theorist has done a lot in deconstructing the traditional concepts of identity and gender. Gender performativity theory developed by Butler has really helped us to understand how society constructs and stages itself on the basis of what it thinks about men or women.

Another key personality in this sector is Kate Bornstein who has written extensively about life experiences of transgender people. Such works have given voice to transgender individuals which made it possible for them to tell their stories to the world. The author’s work has empowered and acted as an advocacy platform for transgender communities while highlighting the difficulties faced by those that suffer from Dysphoria.

There are many angles from which one can look at crisis of identity and sexual confusion including medical, psychological, sociological and cultural perspectives. There are those who perceive identity crisis and gender dysphoria as normal aspects representing human diversity, while others consider them diseases requiring medical attention.

From the point of view of the psychodynamics, crisis of identity is considered as the required stage of development that gives possibility of personal exploration of different parts of the inner world and at the end provides a feeling of wholeness and coherence. The issue of gender dysphoria is usually perceived from the medical point of view, and is, therefore, dependent on diagnosis and treatment of the distress that comes with incongruence between one's gender identity and sex assigned.

In the past couple of years there has been the increase in the awareness that a broader and the intersectional approach is needed to understand the idendtity problem and gender dysphornia. This necessitates looking into how social elements, such as racial, and social class and sex, affect identity formation's course and development of gender dysphoria in individuals.

Moving forward, there are several projects in line to influence the way identity struggles and gender dysphoria will be in future. One of the important aspects which should be emphasized firstly is the need for much more research and education on these issues as it will allow us to identify the intricate components of the identity’s formation and diversity of gender.

Nowadays, much inquisitiveness have also been observed, and it is attributed to the movement of more acceptance and visibility of transgender and non-binary members of the society. This includes a call for passage of the laws that protect people with gender dysphoria, making health services accessible and providing social acceptance to this group of people. Nowadays, it seems a pretty clear direction that such an issue keeps full awareness in the minds of other people, so the negative stigma and discrimination will finally give way to better care for the people who are dealing with gender dysphoria.

Subsequently, crisis regarding identity and gender dysphoria are highly intricate and multi-dimensional issues that have a deep impact on the lives of the people who touch it in the early stages. When we delve into the historical moment, main players, consequences, main influential individuals, significance and learn about all these topics, we will steal a glance at the issues and possible solutions that should be addressed to promote fostering affirmation and support for those who suffer from identity crisis and gender dysphoria.

Through continued research, advocacy, and education, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society that values the diversity of human experiences.