Overcoming Identity Crisis

27/08/2024

An identity crisis is a period of confusion and doubt surrounding one’s sense of self and constant searching for answers to the one burning question: “Who am I?”. Identity crises are common in adolescents, however, adults can also experience identity crises, such as midlife crises, especially when faced with new changes or conflicts in life.

What Is An Identity Crisis?

The concept of “identity” originates from the research of developmental psychologist Erik Erikson, according to which, identity is “a subjective sense as well as an observable quality of personal sameness and continuity, paired with some belief in the sameness and continuity of some shared world image”. There are 4 different statuses of identity:

Foreclosure is when a person has committed without attempting identity exploration.
Identity achievement occurs when an individual has gone through an exploration of different identities and made a commitment to one.
Identity diffusion occurs when there is neither an identity crisis nor commitment. Those with a status of identity diffusion tend to feel out of place in the world and don't pursue a sense of identity.
Moratorium is the status of a person actively exploring different identities but has not committed.

Identity crises help people move from one status to another; however, people don't necessarily experience each status above. More specifically, an identity crisis is a period of confusion and doubt surrounding one’s sense of self. This often happens during transition or when the person is confronted with aspects of their life that conflict with the roles they have taken on. It can affect both personal life and professional roles, leading to difficult decisions about the identity the person wants to adopt or working on their personal development.

Identity crises are common, especially among adolescents, the most vulnerable age group. A 2015 study found that 37% of teens had difficulty discovering their identity, and 95% felt inferior due to a sense of lack of personal development. According to the American Psychological Association, adults can also experience identity crises, such as midlife crises, especially when faced with new changes or conflicts in life.

Recognizing Identity Crisis

Although each person experiences an identity crisis differently, there are some key symptoms to look out for:

Depersonalization: Feeling disconnected from one's thoughts, emotions, and/or body.
Anxiety: High levels of anxiety can lead to higher stress, fear, and even panic attacks in severe cases.
Confusion: Difficulty making decisions, planning a personal development roadmap, or engaging in problem-solving due to lack of clarity about one's identity.
Lack of direction: Feeling “lost” and lacking purpose or ambition in life.
Questioning core values: Questioning previous beliefs and rethinking one's sense of self, often reconsidering fundamental aspects such as beliefs, values, goals, and lifestyle.

If you have any of these symptoms, seek help and support to explore options that help you regain clarity and make informed decisions about your identity. Also, allow yourself to think through various perspectives without pressure or judgment. This can lead to a healthier relationship with yourself and an improved sense of well-being.

Types Of Identity Crisis

There are different types of identity crises, including:

Adolescent identity crisis: occurs during the teenage years as young people try to establish a sense of self and their place in the world.
Midlife identity crisis: occurs in midlife when individuals reassess their goals, values, and purpose in life.
Cultural identity crisis: occurs when an individual struggles with his or her cultural identity, such as feeling caught between two cultures or feeling distant from his or her cultural roots.
Sexual identity crisis: occurs when individuals question their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Career identity crisis: occurs when the individual feels uncertain or dissatisfied with his or her career path and may seek to explore new career options or change careers.
Spiritual identity crisis: occurs when individuals experience a crisis of faith or struggle to find meaning and purpose in their spiritual beliefs.

What Causes Identity Crisis?

In today's rapidly changing world, identity crises are becoming increasingly common. These crises often occur in response to sudden or significant changes in a person's life. This can include changes in personal life, such as social surroundings and environment, interpersonal relationships, or broader social events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

People tend to experience identity crises at various points in life, especially at times of major change. During adolescence (12 - 18 years old) and late adolescence (18 - 24 years old), such changes can be various and hugely different from adulthood, including:

Physical changes due to puberty
Sexual changes and exposure to cultural stereotypes regarding sexuality
Social changes, such as leaving the neighborhood for school or having a new circle of friends
Exposure and time spent on social media platforms

For adults, especially in the middle ages, the changes that may contribute to identity crisis might be:

Starting a new relationship
Ending a marriage or partnership
Experiencing a traumatic event
Having a child
Learning about health conditions
Losing a loved one
Losing the job or starting a new job
Retirement
Moving to a new place

Research also shows that several factors influence whether a person experiences a midlife crisis, including health issues, stress, and social support. Additionally, having mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder can also increase the likelihood of experiencing an identity crisis.

Overcoming Identity Crisis

Inward Reflection and Exploration

Take time to look within yourself and ask questions to determine what things you value or no longer value. Asking these questions will help you figure out things that might have changed about you with time. Don't worry if you don't have answers to all of these questions, because change is constant and people change over time.

Some questions you can ask yourself to reflect include:

What qualities or characteristics make you who you are? How have these qualities changed over the years?
How have major life changes you have experienced or you are experiencing in life changed you? Do these changes satisfy you? Can you cope with these big changes?
What are your values and beliefs? Is there anything that currently contradicts them?
What are your interests, hobbies, or passions? Do you regularly participate in activities that you enjoy? If not, why?
What helps you calm down? What coping mechanisms do you use when faced with difficulties?
What are the things important to your purpose or sense of identity in life?
What can you do to improve your self-perception?
What things that make you happy and give you a sense of purpose in life?

Pondering these questions will help you better understand yourself and reshape your life in the direction you desire.

Seek Support From People Around You

Having a strong social support system can help you cope effectively with major life changes, stressors, and questions related to identity and self-perception. You can seek support from friends, partners, or family members. You will be surprised at how support from loved ones can significantly improve your life.

Besides, joining a community, a club with similar interests, or a support group is also very helpful in solving psychological problems. You may also consider joining a mental health support group or attending individual therapy sessions. Staying active by participating in group activities and sports can also help. If you find joy and fulfillment in starting a new hobby, connecting with others, or exploring new things outside of your usual interests, go for them.

Having a good support system not only helps you overcome difficulties but also brings stability and balance to your life. Take every opportunity to connect and build relationships with those around you, as they can be an important source of encouragement and support on your journey.

Psychotherapy

If your identity crisis causes significant distress and interferes with your ability to function normally, don't hesitate to seek professional support. They can provide you with the tools and methods you need to get through this difficult time and find balance in your life.

Psychotherapy can be effective in addressing underlying issues that contribute to identity crises. One popular approach is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps change negative thoughts and behaviors that can affect how you see yourself. Additionally, some studies have found that group therapy is effective in treating identity crises, especially in adolescents.

If you feel like your identity crisis is seriously affecting your life, go to a medical facility for a timely examination and diagnosis or contact the Vietnam - France Psychology Institute via Hotline: 0979.158.463 for specific advice. Early intervention is key to improving health and quality of life.

References:

[1] Recognizing and coping with an identity crisis. https://www.phoenix.edu/professional-development/blog/what-is-identity-crisis/

[2] How to Recognize and Cope With an Identity Crisis. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-an-identity-crisis-2795948

[3] Identity Crisis: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. https://www.australiacounselling.com.au/identity-crisis/

[4] Online Counselling For Identity Crisis. https://www.talktoangel.com/area-of-expertise/identity-crisis

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