Identity and gender

Feeling ‘different’ can be tough, especially when you’re a teenager going through lots of changes. The most important thing is to be true to yourself and surround yourself with supportive people.

Things to look out for in the young person struggling with gender and identity may also experience:

changes in mood – feeling sadder, more anxious, or more irritable than usual
changes in behaviour – being less talkative, becoming withdrawn or being more aggressive
changes in relationships – falling out with friends or their partner, or conflict with family
changes in appetite – eating more or less than usual, or losing or gaining weight rapidly
changes in sleep patterns – not sleeping enough, or sleeping too much
changes in coping – feeling overwhelmed or tired of life
changes in thinking – more negative thoughts, or thoughts of self harm or suicide.

Find more information on identity and gender issues.