The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about change in ways that very few of us could ever have expected. So it does make sense if you’ve kicked off 2021 with a few feelings of uncertainty.
But for some people this can develop into a condition known as an identity crisis. And while it’s something we’ve all heard about, what does it mean? Counsellor and coach Liz Kirby from The Indigo Project explains …
WHAT IS AN IDENTITY CRISIS?
“An identity crisis is when we question who it is that we are,” Kirby says. “We may feel as though we don’t know ourselves anymore, which can feel destabilising.”
So why does it happen? “Any big change can contribute to an identity crisis, such as leaving school, changing jobs, moving cities or countries, a pandemic, illness, retiring or becoming a parent,” Kirby says.
Questions around sexuality, race and gender can contribute to an identity crisis, along with childhood trauma or a traumatic event later in life.
“Grief can also trigger an identity crisis,” Kirby adds. “This includes losing someone we love, losing a job, a relationship ending or experiencing illness or an injury that changes your life as you’ve known it.”
COVID-19 AND CRISIS
Kirby says it’s not surprising that many people have felt disoriented during the pandemic.
This story is from the February 08, 2021 edition of WHO.
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This story is from the February 08, 2021 edition of WHO.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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