Recognizing the Causes of Dysphoria and How to Overcome It

Basically, dysphoria is not classified as a mental health disorder. However, dysphoria is often part of the symptoms of various mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and psychoactive substance use.

Studies say that a common sign of people with dysphoria is to think too much about the future. Usually, thoughts contain more negative thoughts and things that don't make sense, such as feeling worthless, hopeless, or have no way out.

People with dysphoria may also experience symptoms of depression or other mental disorders, ranging from crying, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, lazy fun, and loss of passion for life. They will also often appear sad, like burdened, numb, and sometimes irritable.

Dysphoria sufferers who smoke will usually have worse smoking habits. In fact, he may experience dependence on cigarettes, have difficulty quitting smoking, and experience more severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms when trying to reduce smoking.

Below are several factors that are thought to trigger dysphoria:

The psychological disorder most often associated with dysphoria is gender dysphoria. In this condition, dysphoria arises because a person feels a mismatch between his biological sex and his gender identity.

Dysphoria sometimes disappears when one has transitioned or starts living with a new gender, as transgender. However, some transgender perpetrators sometimes continue to experience dysphoria after the transition period.

Not only gender dysphoria, there are also several other disorders that can trigger dysphoria, including depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, and schizoaffective disorder.

The health condition most often associated with dysphoria is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This condition is a more severe version of PMS which is characterized by irritability, anxiety, fear, and difficulty concentrating. The symptoms that are felt can be so severe that they prevent the sufferer from normal activities.

Several other conditions can trigger dysphoria, including nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disease, poisoning, and side effects of certain drugs.

Studies say that 70% of people with alcohol addiction and mood disorders are very likely to experience dysphoria. Usually, dysphoria occurs when the addict suddenly stops or reduces alcohol consumption.

Apart from what has been mentioned above, dysphoria can also occur due to psychological pressure, for example stress due to work pressure, family conflict, or the death of a loved one.

Basically, dysphoria can be treated well, depending on the underlying cause. In cases of excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, dysphoria will generally subside after the habit is stopped. However, it may take weeks for the mood to really improve.

In PMDD, dysphoria symptoms can also be improved by implementing lifestyle changes, for example eating nutritious food, being active or exercising, controlling stress well. However, PMDD can also be treated with drugs prescribed by a doctor.

Cases of dysphoria caused by psychological disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or gender dysphoria, will require counseling and treatment from a psychiatrist. The treatment or treatment given will be adjusted to the level of psychological disorder experienced.

Although not classified as a mental health disorder, dysphoria should not be underestimated. If it is not treated in the long term, the worst risk that can occur is a suicide attempt.

So, if you feel signs of dysphoria, consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. That way, you can get proper inspection and treatment.