Shower Dysphoria Tips

shatteredplaces:

Okay, this is about to be a long list but I hope it helps someone.  Being genderfluid myself, I just showered for the first time in several days because of my disabling dysphoria.  I always see tons of tips about clothing, hair, behavior, and even makeup, but I don’t see a lot of tips on here about dealing with shower dysphoria.  Some of this is going to be aimed at trans*, genderfluid, and genderqueer individuals specifically, and some of these tips are for agender and other nonbinary individuals, but most can be applied to all of the above.  Let’s get started!

- If possible, listen to music.  Whether it’s on a phone, laptop, or portable radio, listen to music you enjoy, and listen to it as loudly as you’re able.  It helps me to have something else to focus on while I go through the motions of showering, even if it’s my own horrible singing.

- Use shower products marketed towards the gender you identify with. Since I’m genderfluid, I keep both “male” and “female” bodywashes, shampoos, and face washes in my shower so that however I’m feeling, I’ve got the products available to reduce dysphoria as much as I’m able.

- Have your clothes ready inside the bathroom with you. I always make sure that my clothes are completely prepared for me to throw them on as quickly as possible after my shower.  My dysphoria is increased significantly when I’m undressed, so not wasting time turning my clothes right-side out, or searching for clothes helps.

- Keep a mental list of the steps you need to complete during your shower.  1. Prepare clothes 2. Turn on water 3. Get in shower 4. Shampoo hair; ect. Having a mental list of specific steps you need to complete helps break the process down so it isn’t so overwhelming, and you’ll be able to keep track of how close you are to being done.

- Use genderless shower products.  Unfortunately, it’s pretty hard to find shampoos and body wash that aren’t marketed a specific way.  The best brand that I’ve found is Lush products.  Almost all of their products aren’t targeted to any gender at all.  Unfortunately, if you don’t live close to a store (the closest one to me is over two hours away) it can get pricey buying online once shipping and taxes are applied.   One that has been suggested a couple times is Trader Joe’s brand, but I’ve been told it mainly pertains to the west coast. Also, a more widespread brand is Head and Shoulders! If anyone knows of any more common, genderless brands, feel free to add on or message me and I’ll edit it in!

Unfortunately, for those of us with dysphoria, showering is probably always going to suck at least a little bit. If anyone else has helpful tips, feel free to reblog with your additions.  If you’re not comfortable with that, message me on here and I can edit it in.

Above all, just remember that:

Your dysphoria does not define who you are.

You are valid.

You are loved.