Gender identity is a term used to describe how a person feels about their gender. For example, some people might identify as being a boy, or a girl, or sometimes people do not feel that either of these terms describes their gender or feel they fit somewhere in between. Often, people confuse the term gender identity and think it means someone's biological sex. This isn't the case, gender identity is its own thing, separate from assigned gender at birth, sexuality, or who someone is attracted to. 

Gender expression is a way a person chooses to express their gender identity. This can be done through the way they dress, makeup, or by other methods.  However, how someone presents themselves does not also reflect their gender identity and that doesn't mean their identity is any less valid- it is ok to dress how you want regardless of how you identify. 

Gender dysphoria is when a person feels discomfort or distress because their gender identity differs from their biological sex. Feelings of gender dysphoria can start from a very young age and can cause feelings of anxiety about life changes such as puberty. 

This sense of unease or discomfort may be so intense it can lead to depression and anxiety and have a harmful impact on daily life. 

Gender identity and poor mental health have a lot of overlap, especially among young people. Those within the transgender community often encounter high levels of stigmatisation, oppression, and discrimination, all of which can contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Rejection from friends, family, and others in a person's life happens often when it comes to gender identity. Sometimes people close to the person experiencing gender dysphoria might not accept the person's gender identity or expression which can lead to a person isolating due to being hurt by this rejection, often leading to episodes of depression.  Feelings of rejection can also cause anxiety, especially in social situations. 

However, when a person is able to express their gender identity and how they feel matches how they look, their mental health improves, along with their self-confidence.