HOW TO DEAL WITH IDENTITY ISSUES

 

The experiences, connections, ideas, values, and memories that make up a person’s subjective sense of self are all part of identity. This aids in the development of a consistent self-image that remains relatively constant throughout a time when new components of the self are established or enhanced.

The concept is based on the work of developmental psychologist Erik Erikson, who felt that one of the most fundamental problems that humans experience is the construction of identity. An identity crisis, according to Erikson, is a period of intense self-analysis and study of various perspectives on oneself.

Erikson stated that building a concept of self is crucial during adolescence. However, identity creation and growth are not limited to this period. Instead, identity is something that shifts and changes as people face new difficulties and encounter new experiences throughout their lives. As a result, an identity crisis can strike anyone at any age, and it is important to pay attention to it.  

While everyone challenges their sense of self at times, you may be experiencing an identity crisis if you are going through a major transition or a stressful period in your life and the above questions start to interfere with your everyday life. You may also notice that you’re irritated, unmotivated, or depleted. 

There are several ways to deal with an identity crisis, and treatment options may include: Depending on the degree of your identity issues and the consequences they are causing, you may be able to:

  • RECOGNIZE AND ACCEPT YOUR EMOTIONS

Identify and understand your sentiments regarding your identity before acknowledging and accepting them. Tell yourself that it’s alright to feel the way you do and treat yourself with the same grace you would a friend.

  • CONSIDER YOUR OBJECTIVES

Take considerable time analyzing your life objectives. What do you hope to achieve? What kinds of things make you the happiest and happiest? Finding ways to satisfy that need can provide your life a larger feeling of satisfaction. An identity crisis could be a symptom that some need is not currently being met. Therefore, finding ways to meet that need can bring a higher sense of fulfilment to your life.

  • EXPLORE WHO YOU ARE

Adolescents are the most likely to explore their identities. Many youngsters experiment with alternative personas and value sets than the ones they were raised with. It’s a vital component of maturation; without it, an adult may find himself without a consciously selected identity. If you’ve never looked into your own identity before, doing so now will be a crucial step toward resolving your identity dilemma. Examine your values and consider the features and characteristics that characterize you as you are today. What are the things that are most important to you? What are the values that guide your life? Who encouraged you to accept certain values, and how were they formed? Examine whether those qualities and values have altered or remained relatively constant throughout your life. Consider why they’ve changed and whether or not they’ve changed.

  • SEEK ASSISTANCE AND SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVITY

Leaning on friends and family can be beneficial. Strong social support is essential for mental health, and it may also provide you with the feedback and encouragement you need to feel confident in your own skin. Friends, family members, social clubs, religious groups, team sports groups, and support groups can all be excellent resources for obtaining the help you require. Everyone has feelings of floating from time to time. When you do, it’s critical to figure out what keeps you grounded in your daily life. The things that are most grounding for many people are their relationships with other people. Friends, relatives, coworkers, and love partners are all part of the network of relationships we choose to be surrounded by.

  • VISUALIZE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF IN THE FUTURE

Visualizing your best possible future self is one approach to feeling more secure in your sense of self and more confident in who you want to be. This activity encourages you to assess your existing self, and then picture and write about the finest version of yourself that you can reasonably strive to be. Allow yourself a few minutes to complete the visualization exercise.

Consider your life in the not-too-distant future, focusing on certain elements that will have gone as smoothly as possible. Make a list of everything you imagined for yourself. Consider how you can make the vision you have for yourself a reality. Any time you feel trapped or otherwise lost in life, recall the future you’ve imagined and utilize it to re-centre yourself.

CONCLUSION

The development of a sense of self or identity is an important component of every person’s maturation. Religion, gender, and ethnicity are just a few examples of how identity or components of identity can be categorized.

Some characteristics, such as race, are predetermined before birth. Some characteristics, such as spoken language(s) or religious inclinations, can be changed later in life. It’s natural and typical to struggle with many aspects of one’s identity.

It might take time and effort to develop an identity or sense of self and the attributes that a person wishes to possess. Anxiety and insecurity can arise when a person lacks a strong sense of self or is grappling with identity issues. It’s crucial to understand that having negative sentiments about yourself or your life can indicate a depression vulnerability. Talk to your doctor or a mental health expert if you’re also suffering depression symptoms like irritability, exhaustion, or poor mood.

Your doctor or a mental health expert can assist you if an identity crisis is causing you considerable discomfort and interfering with your ability to function normally. Tell them how you’re feeling and what changes or stress you’re going through in your life.

There’s a reason to get over your identity dilemma. Consider exploring your beliefs, interests, passions, and hobbies to discover the qualities and attributes that define you and make you feel rooted and happy.

 

To speak with any of our counsellors at Light House Counselling, call or whatsapp +2348060286476.

We provide 5 different types of Counseling ranging from Marriage and Family Counselling, Educational Counselling, Rehabilitation Counselling, Mental Health Counselling, and Substance Abuse Counselling.

We have professionals and we provide affordable services.

 

 

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