How to Channel Pressure Into Progress Instead of Pain.
“Pressure isn’t the enemy. Pressure is the signal that you’re growing. Pressure can desroy. It can also create diamonds.”
When my authentic self first emerged, every moment I wasn’t expressing her made my chest tighten — like I was being sealed inside a uniform that no longer fit my soul.
The dysphoria pressure built rapidly, and the only thing that released it — even for a moment — was stepping into femininity.
It was like turning a valve that stopped the emotional boil.
But as soon as I returned to presenting as my former male self… the valve closed right back up.
The pressure always returned — faster, harder, more insistent.
I tried to ignore it.
I tried to bury it.
I tried to power through like the Marine I was trained to be.
But just like steam inside a sealed vessel, pressure finds a way out.
Sometimes that escape looks like strength.
Sometimes it looks like sabotage.
The secret was understanding why the pressure exists — and how to control the release instead of feeling controlled by it.
Dr. Gwen Patrone
If you’re ready to stop hiding and start living, you can learn more about the program here: dysphoriahacks.com.
Check out Gwen’s two new books, the link is above!
