Dealing With Gender Dysphoria and Learning to Love Yourself
Mathilda Hogberg is a popular transgender YouTuber who creates videos documenting her life experiences and journey as a trans woman. With over 100,000 subscribers, she provides support and inspiration to trans youth and adults around the world.
In a recent candid video, Mathilda opened up about her ongoing struggles dealing with gender dysphoria and learning to love yourself.
What is Gender Dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria is a feeling of distress or discomfort that occurs when there is a mismatch between a person’s gender identity and their assigned sex at birth.
In her video, Mathilda described gender dysphoria as having a “dark cloud” over her that casts shadows on the things she likes about herself. She said that even compliments from others don't help during these times, because the negative feelings come from within.
When Mathilda looks in the mirror while experiencing intense dysphoria, she has trouble recognizing herself and often sees masculine features instead of her true feminine self. This causes significant emotional pain and distress.
Challenges of Being a Public Trans Figure
On top of her internal struggles with dysphoria, being a public transgender figure also takes its toll.
While hateful comments don’t get to Mathilda much any more thanks to the overwhelming support of her fans, it can still be draining to constantly be in the public eye as a trans woman.
Mathilda emphasized that the real pain comes from within – not from what others say about her externally. Still, it’s understandable that the constant scrutiny of being a famous trans-YouTuber exacerbates her dysphoria during vulnerable times.
Coping Strategies & Self-Love
To deal with dysphoria and learn to love herself during the difficult periods, Mathilda shared two main approaches:
1. The Butterfly Effect
When Mathilda wishes she was born a cisgender woman, she reminds herself that if that was the case, she wouldn't be the same person she is today.
She wouldn't have the same friends, boyfriend, personality, or life experiences that made her who she is.
This "butterfly effect" mindset helps her appreciate her trans journey, knowing that her struggles made her the strong, resilient woman she is now.
2. Daily Affirmations
Mathilda makes a point to practice daily affirmations, focusing on qualities she genuinely likes about herself, both inside and out.
Building herself up during good times helps cushion the fall during periods of severe dysphoria.
Final Thoughts
While Mathilda still struggles with dysphoria at times, she sets an inspiring example for how she actively works to overcome these difficult feelings.
Her honesty and vulnerability allow other trans people dealing with similar issues to realize they are not alone. And her coping strategies provide valuable guidance on building self-love and resilience even during the darkest of times.
Mathilda’s courage to open up about her struggles, while also expressing pride in who she is, sends a powerful message of hope and perseverance. She proves it’s possible to be proud of your trans identity while acknowledging the real challenges.
Her story can inspire trans youth and adults worldwide to keep fighting through the difficult moments and learn to fully embrace themselves.