Hydrodysphoria (also known as waterdysphoria or acquadysphoria) is a form of gender dysphoria that falls under xenodysphoria umbrella. It can manifest as distress, anger, frustration, depressive symptoms, anxiety, restlessness or unease, a sense of gender fragmentation or chaos resulting from interacting with water. Someone who experiences this type of dysphoria may call themself aquadys.
It can be experienced in a large variety of ways, such as having water on one's body, drinking water, being fully immersed in water, immersing certain body parts, etc. The felt dysphoria can be intense to the point it may cause severe depressive symptoms, intense anxiety or self-destructive thoughts. Experiencing hydrodysphoria is different from simply disliking interaction with water. Someone can experience hydrodysphoria and still find water enjoyable, even if it causes gender dysphoria.
Dysphoria can be experienced weakly or strongly, and its intensity can fluctuate during or after an interaction with water. Experiencing this type of dysphoria is not exclusive to a specific gender, as any gender identity can experience it.
History
The term was coined by Tumblr user DickCowMilk on September 3, 2021. The flag was created by the same user on the same day.[1]
Aquadys was coined by Wiki user Crakorbarck on September 14, 2021. The flag was created by the same user on the same day.