Identity. It’s a buzz word these days. You can find it, change it, brand it. But really what is a person’s identity and how does it impact a person’s mental health?

No person has a single identity. Every person has a multifaceted and multicultural identity. No one identifying trait is the sum of a person’s identity. We often think of identity as our personal collection of “I am” statements, and these can have positive, neutral, or negative connotations: I am friendly. I am an athlete. I am a nurse. I am kind. I am depressed. I am strong. I am worthless. I am a Christian. I am fat. I am transgender. I am trustworthy.

Websters provides a couple different definitions of “identity” that are helpful:

1. the distinguishing character or personality of an individual

2. sameness of essential or generic character in different instances

It is this second definition that is especially important when we consider our identity over the lifespan.

Identity formation is the development task of adolescence, so it is no wonder that we see teens “trying on” different identities – this is developmentally appropriate and normal. Many of the identities that they try on during these years will not stick. But what about adults who are going through identity changes and challenges? What brings those about?

It is important to keep in mind that we can find our identity in things that are consistent and stable, or in things that can change. To the extent that we have found our identity in a particular vocation, role, ability, belief, or circumstance (as we all do at times), when it changes, it can throw us for a loop. This could be a job change impacting our vocational identity, a role change (such as a parent becoming an empty nester or suddenly taking care of aging parents), a relationship change due to death or divorce or other factors, or a mental health challenge that suddenly feels all-encompassing.

So, what steps can we take when we find ourselves struggling with issues of identity? Here are several to consider:

Take Responsibility

Each person has the freedom, choice, and responsibility for knowing and owning (and, if desired and to the extent possible, changing) their own identity. Some facets of our identity are innate and unchangeable, but many are the result of choices we make. Consider what you have control over and what is out of your control.

Identify the Sources of Your Identity

Adolescents build their identity based on what they hear reflected to them about themselves, so being sure to reflect positive identity qualities to our teens is so important. For adults, consider where you find your identity. That may be through self-reflection, from your faith’s scripture, from what others reflect to you through feedback, or through your culture. As adults, we have the power to choose what sources to believe.

Get to Know Yourself

Take some personality tests and inventories and spend some time in self-refection. Personality tests are not prescriptive, but they can increase awareness and provide content for contemplation and consideration.

Consider Your Values

Until you know your values, you cannot choose to live in alignment with them. A values sort exercise can be a fun and useful exercise to help you identify your top values that define you, like this one.

Consider Your Interests and Passions

What makes you tick? What makes your heart full of joy? What are you willing to sacrifice for?

Challenge Yourself and Your Thoughts and Feelings

Many changes that impact our self-concept may not be identity changes. On the other hand, some mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, grief, or confusion may be a result of challenges to our identity.

Get Support

While some challenges and changes to our identity are inevitable, a stable core identity and stable self-concept that transcends the changing circumstances of life is necessary for strong mental health. You do not have to walk though identity challenges alone.

Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.

This blog post was written by on of our Clinical Interns, Jennifer Oswald.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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