When does Identity become a Crisis?

Identity has always been an integral factor in shaping one’s veritable personality, serving as the basis for one to observe and format concepts on their role in the society through a fresh perspective. But what happens when the very lens unfolds a horrifying truth of the fabricated norms carefully curated of a ‘perfect identity?’

Starting from the onset of adolescence, young adults often fall prey to the dilemma of reaching the crux of the inquiry that they wish to seek answers to- who really are they? What factor could possibly serve as a centre focus of how they are known, or possibly, how they are viewed? Under the pressure of maintaining a reputable honour to satisfy their loved ones, many have been forced to warp themselves into the persona that they are unable to resonate to, in order to dodge being labelled an ‘outcast.’ These labels may include bringing out an uncommon feature that may be ‘unusual’ for one’s child to portray, such as expressing themselves as an introvert, being a part of the LGBTQ community, etc. Many families continue the struggle to evolve to the advancing developments at the rapid speed that the modern world is moving at, bringing unrealistic expectations of ancient traditions that they coerce their wards to follow in order to carry ‘the ideal personality that is admired by all’, thereby inadvertently concealing them from being provided proper guidance to explore their own selves. This has served as an accomplice to frequent cases of teenage suicide, an alarming rate of substance abuse, as well as regression in their mental health, forcing them to bury all sorts of curiosity and eagerness to discover their identity in a deeper manner, all due to the fact that they are unable to match the criteria of shaping themselves into ideal individuals.

Identity may be considered as a new phase to be explored in one’s life, but what is its use, when so many today are handed concocted freedom to explore to their own free will, yet they are forced to operate from the cage they are bound in?

Written by Tarini Dayal