3 Types of Identity Crisis (and how to deal with them)

Our sense of identity is crucial for our well-being and social interactions. It shapes how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. Having a coherent sense of self allows for meaningful connections with others.

Displacement is the feeling of being disconnected from a harmonious past. It can be seen in stories like Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden, as well as our disconnect from nature and frustration with modern working life. Films also explore displacement through nostalgia for past eras and a longing for traditional masculinity.

"Constrictment" refers to the feeling of being trapped in one's environment, body, or societal expectations and the desire to escape from it. This individual issue is focused on the future rather than dwelling on the past like displacement. It can manifest as an identity crisis when sexual orientation or gender does not align with societal norms. People may also feel constricted by their families or social environments that impose restrictive norms upon them. The struggle for escape from these constraints is often depicted in stories as characters yearn to break free and discover their true selves."

Displacement and constrictment stem from a lack of possibilities. More freedom is seen as the solution to allow individuals to become who they want to be. Progress has been made in Western societies with encouraging individualism, mobility, and recognition of diverse identities. The digital world has also contributed by providing access to different norms and communities. However, despite these advancements, we still face an identity crisis.

Overwhelming freedom is a result of an overabundance of choices and ways to shape one's identity. It leads to restlessness and over-stimulation. Stories often depict the loss of self after breaking free from pre-existing roles or beliefs, causing individuals to feel alienated in a chaotic world.

Dealing with Identity Crisis A crisis of identity is a fundamental aspect of the human condition. Feelings of displacement and constrictment stem from our tendency to mythologize a past that never really existed. While escaping from harmful situations can provide temporary relief, it doesn't make us feel truly whole in the long run. Our identity is not only something we are or can become, but also something we relate ourselves to. We will always have a certain degree of alienation between ourselves and our thoughts, feelings, and convictions.

"Overwhelming Freedom" Dilemma 'Overwhelming freedom' is an abstraction because even though we theoretically have unlimited possibilities for choices and identities, in practice there are constraints and limitations that define who we are already. Instead of focusing on potential changes or superficial identities, it's important to give weight to the choices and identity that exist right now. Realizing what one already has instead of constantly striving for more helps ease the pain associated with an identity crisis.