An identity crisis might sound and feel like a unique ordeal, but it’s something that many people face. It can reemerge at milestones, in periods of transition and during times of introspection. If you’re in the midst of an identity realignment, you’re not alone. Help is available in Lightfully’s Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP).
How can you give compassion to yourself?
This period of reflection and evolution may be challenging, as you reevaluate your self-image and integrate your changing identity with it. You might face difficulties with your thoughts, feelings or relationships.
Others’ responses to you may run the gamut from active support and understanding to less helpful reactions. If you need a professional’s support, a licensed clinical therapist can be there for you. You may find yourself needing more than a few therapy appointments, but less than full-time treatment; a vPHP may be a useful option. In a vPHP, you can participate in 20 hours of treatment per week, including therapy, psychiatry and group sessions.
Self-compassion is an active practice of self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness. To take the first steps:
Know that you deserve kindness.
This may come as naturally to you as breathing. However, some people in the midst of internal conflict become frustrated with themselves. Questioning who they are, they may have negative feelings about their identity. If you’re going through this, try to take a step back from this moment temporarily. An identity crisis is only one part of your life, and it is temporary. You deserve kindness and understanding now, like you did before this moment and you will continue to afterward.
Find common humanity between yourself and others.
You are an irreplaceable person with an evolving, multifaceted identity. While you may have questions about yourself that only you can answer, you aren’t the only person questioning. You are surrounded by other people experiencing this and other parts of the human condition. In a vPHP, you can find support among other people in treatment during group sessions as you share your perspectives.
Practice mindful observance of your self-talk.
It can be easy to think things about yourself that you would never think about a friend, or even a stranger. These thoughts can bring down your mood and damage your self-image if you take them to heart. Instead, try to observe these thoughts as they occur, as if you were watching leaves drift on a stream, without judging them. This may distance you from the immediacy of your thoughts so that you can allow them to pass. You can learn more skills to manage distressing moments in vPHP treatment.
Don’t hesitate to build connections
Assisting yourself through self-compassion can provide crucial assistance. You may need additional support through this period of growth as well, like a plant might need a gardener’s aid to grow. Alone, it would struggle; with a support structure, it grows more easily.
Try to identify the potential support structures in your life. These may be practical things, like a routine, a healthy diet and exercise that connects you to your body. You might derive support from professional treatment, working with a licensed clinical therapist or sharing with group members.
Experiences of common humanity can provide support, too. Look to the people around you, whether they’re your friends and family or the people you look up to. They are going through the many phases of life alongside you. Additionally, a licensed clinical therapist can provide proactive guidance for your next phase.
Find compassionate support at Lightfully
At Lightfully, a licensed clinical therapist can provide a personalized virtual treatment plan. Your therapist can also help you with whatever arises during your identity exploration, such as a perspective shift or a reconsideration of goals.
Moving forward with self-compassion and support is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, connect with Lightfully. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.
