Harden Elkington
The phrase “identity crisis” was coined by psychologist Erik Erikson in the 1930s. It refers to a difficulty in establishing an identity or struggling to figure out who you are.
Many people who are facing an identity crisis feel like they don’t know who they are or what they want and that there is nothing special about them.
Identity crises may be difficult to go through at first, but they are not unusual, and as long as one does not become “stuck” in these feelings, they will pass away quickly.
What is an identity crisis?
An identity crisis is defined as a “difficulty in establishing an identity or finding out who you are.”
Many people who are facing an identity crisis feel like they don’t know who they are or what they want and that there is nothing special about them.
These feelings can be difficult to go through at first, but they are not unusual and as long as you don’t become “stuck” in them, they will eventually pass.
If you find yourself facing an identity crisis, it may be helpful to talk to a counselor or therapist who can help you explore your feelings and find ways to cope with them.
Remember, this is a normal part of life and with time and help, you will find your way through it.
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What causes an identity crisis?
There is no one specific cause of an identity crisis since there are many factors that may be the causes of an identity crisis such as:
Major life event
A major life event, such as a divorce, the loss of a job, or the death of a loved one, can cause an identity crisis. This is because our sense of self is often closely tied to our roles in life.
When we experience a major change, it can feel like we no longer know who we are. This can be a very confusing and frightening time.
Age
Identity crises are more common in adolescence and young adulthood when we are exploring our identity and trying to figure out who we are and what we want in life.
This is a normal part of life, but it can be especially difficult if there are other stressors present, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce.
Culture
Culture can also play a role in identity crises.
For example, immigrants or people who have recently moved to a new country may experience an identity crisis as they try to figure out how to fit into their new cultural surroundings.
People who belong to minority groups may also face an identity crisis as they struggle to find a balance between their cultural identity and the mainstream culture.
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What are the types of identity crisis?
There are two types of identity crisis:
Ego-identity status
Ego-identity status is a type of identity crisis that happens when we are trying to figure out who we are and what we want in life.
It is a normal part of adolescence and young adulthood. ego-identity statuses were first identified by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, who proposed that ego-identity develops in four stages:
- Sensorimotor
- Preoperational
- Concrete operational
- Formal operational
Ego-identity development occurs during the sensorimotor stage, when children first begin to develop a sense of self. During the preoperational stage, children learn to use symbols and language to represent their ideas about themselves.
In the concrete operational stage, adolescents begin to think abstractly and consider future possibilities.
Finally, in the formal operational stage, adults develop a more stable sense of self and are able to plan for the future.
Ego-identity development is a lifelong process, but it is especially important during adolescence and young adulthood when we are trying to figure out who we are and what we want in life.
Midlife crisis
Midlife crisis is a term that is often used to describe a period of uncertainty or turmoil that people may experience in the middle years of their lives.
While it is not an official diagnosis, a midlife crisis is a real phenomenon that can cause significant stress and upheaval. This type of identity crisis usually happens during the transition from young adulthood to middle age, when people are faced with the reality of their own mortality.
A midlife crisis can lead to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and depression. It can also cause people to make drastic changes in their lives, such as quitting their jobs or getting divorced.
If you are experiencing a midlife crisis, it is important to seek professional help. With the right support, you can get through this difficult period and emerge stronger and more sure of yourself than ever before.
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How to overcome an identity crisis
If you find yourself facing an identity crisis, there are some things that you can do in order to overcome it.
Accept that this is a normal part of life
During an identity crisis, individuals may find themselves questioning their values, beliefs, and even their sense of self.
This can be a normal and healthy process, as it allows you to explore your identity and determine what is important to you. However, it is also important to accept that this is a normal part of life.
It is perfectly normal to feel confused and uncertain at times, and this does not mean that there is anything wrong with you.
Talk to someone you trust
If you are feeling lost or confused, it can be helpful to talk to someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else too who you feel comfortable talking.
Talking about your feelings can help you to make sense of them and figure out what you need to do next.
Seek professional help
If you are struggling to overcome an identity crisis on your own, you may benefit from professional help. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance as you work through this difficult period.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, your doctor may also be able to prescribe medication to help ease these symptoms.
Identify your values and beliefs
One of the best ways to overcome an identity crisis is to identify your values and beliefs. When you know what is important to you, it can be easier to make decisions and feel confident in your choices.
Spend some time thinking about what matters to you and what you believe in. You may also want to consider writing down your thoughts in a journal.
Try new things
Another way to overcome an identity crisis is to try new things. Trying new experiences can help you to explore different aspects of your identity and figure out what you like and don’t like.
It can also be a fun and exciting way to meet new people and learn new things.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Making mistakes is a normal part of life, and it is also an important part of identity development. Trying new things will inevitably lead to some failures, but these failures can be valuable learning experiences.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they can help you to grow and learn more about yourself.
Take your time
There is no timeline for overcoming an identity crisis, and it is important to take your time. This is a process that can take months or even years, so be patient with yourself.
Allow yourself the time and space to figure things out, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
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The takeaway
An identity crisis is a normal part of life, and it can be a healthy process that allows you to explore your identity.
If you are facing an identity crisis, it is important to talk to someone you trust and seek professional help if needed. You may also benefit from trying new things, identifying your values and beliefs, and journaling about your thoughts and feelings.
Remember to be patient with yourself, as this is a process that takes time.
