I think I’m transgender and don’t know what to do or if i really am

Gender identity is very complex and often develops across our lifespan. Many things impact our sense of identity including our physical appearance and physique as well as our personality and overall disposition. Is it common for people to have discrepancies with how they feel about their bodies and how others perceive them. Many people with gender dysphoria experience what you are describing which includes feeling that their body does not match who they are inside and desiring for others to view and refer to them by a different gender than they were assigned at birth. There is a broad spectrum of gender identities and working in therapy as well as connecting with others who experience similar feelings can help you to discover and affirm your identity. Some people who identify as transgender make a lot of changes including their appearance, name, pronouns, gender markers etc while others come to a place of comfort with fewer changes. There are no right or wrong answers, however, when the discomfort is impacting your relationships and overall mental well being it is important to seek support in order to work through some of the feelings and barriers. I encourage you to seek help either here or through other services with a provider who is familiar with gender identity and can support your exploration and growth. You are not alone and things can get better with work and time. Should you choose to work here with me, we can begin by exploring some of the feelings you have described in order to determine steps to make you feel whole and authentic. Many people choose to also get medical care that may include a variety of therapies including hormone therapy and/or surgical procedures, but prior to engaging those options it is important to discover who you are as a person and ensure that you have the proper supports in place to help with the challenges that may arise as you work toward showing the world who you are. Change is never easy but when it is done with support and a plan, it can be beautiful.