Identity comprises the experiences, relationships, beliefs, values, and memories that construct a person’s subjective sense of self. This creates a self-image that stays fairly constant even as different aspects of the self are developed or strengthened over time.
An identity crisis entails a person contemplating their sense of self. The concept originates in the work of developmental psychologist Erik Erikson. According to him, an identity crisis is a period of introspection and discovering new ways to look at yourself. Identity changes throughout life as people face new obstacles and go through different experiences.
Symptoms of an Identity Crisis
They may find themselves preoccupied with certain questions. Some of those may sound like:
What are my passions?
What are my beliefs?
What are my values?
What is my role in society?
What is my purpose in life?
Who am I? (in general or in regard to your relationships, age, or career.)
Although everyone questions their sense of self from time to time, you may be having an identity crisis if you are going through a stressful period and the above questions begin to disrupt your daily life. It is important to understand that experiencing negative feelings about yourself or your life can be a sign of a vulnerability to depression. If you have any signs of depression, consider seeking help. You should seek help immediately if they’re accompanied by suicidal thoughts.
Causes of an Identity Crisis
They often occur due to unexpected changes in a person’s life. These may involve personal life changes or general societal events, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Often, identity crises or other mental health issues can arise due to major life stressors. These stressors aren’t inherently bad, but they can cause a lot of distress, which would lead you to question who you are and what you value.
People tend to experience an identity crisis at various points throughout life, particularly at points of huge change, including:
Beginning a new relationship
Ending a marriage or partnership
Experiencing a traumatic event
Having a child
Losing a loved one
Losing or starting a job
Moving
These and other stressors can have an impact on your daily life and how you see yourself.
A study found that factors such as social support, stress levels, and health issues could all affect the development of what is often known as a midlife crisis.
Treatment for an Identity Crisis
Depending on the severity of your crisis and the consequences thereafter, treatment options might include:
Psychotherapy: It can be helpful for addressing some of the underlying issues that might be contributing to your identity crisis.
Group therapy: Some studies have found group therapy to be beneficial for treating identity crises, especially in adolescents.
Medication: If your symptoms are accompanied by anxiety or depression, your doctor may also prescribe medications to help with those conditions.
Coping With an Identity Crisis
Some things that may be helpful as you confront questions about your identity include:
Acknowledge and accept your feelings
Explore your beliefs and interests
Consider your goals
Get support
Search for joy and other ways to cope
Ignore internal and external judgment
Seek outside help.
– Urveez Kakalia and Dhara Mehta.