Navigating Identity When You Feel Like You Don't Belong
Knowing who you are can be confusing, especially when you feel caught between different worlds. People living in these in-between spaces face unique challenges each day.
Switching Faces In Different Places
Have you noticed you act one way at home or with family but feel different at work or school? If your family’s way of doing things doesn’t match what other people expect, it can be tough. You might feel trapped between holding onto your family's roots or trying new things that fit where you are now. Feeling like you’re wearing a mask to fit in can be draining.
Thinking About Where You Came From and Where You're Heading
Your childhood and experiences growing up shape who you are. If you’ve moved between countries or cultures, you might not feel fully part of any. Being mixed race or of different abilities or identities also means people might not always understand you. When people ask, "Where are you from?" or "What are you?", it can be hard to answer. These moments may stick with you and make you question who you are meant to be.
Handling Complex Feelings
Living between spaces can be emotionally tough. Picture having to be someone different at work and then switching back to another role at home. It may make you tired, affect your sleep, and add stress. Accepting this is the first step to feeling better.
How Therapy Can Help
Talking to someone may help clear your mind. Therapy can give you a safe space to explore your feelings and your unique lived experience or intersectional identity. For example:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can help you better understand relationships, intimacy and sense of connection.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help you work through difficult past experiences, even if you can't put your finger on what they were.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can guide you to know what truly matters to you.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you change negative thoughts about yourself into positive ones.
- Expressive Arts Therapy opens avenues for expressing feelings hard to put into words and exploring identity through creative means.
Carving Your Own Path
Overcoming these challenges needs time and bravery. It’s normal to have setbacks. Asking for help shows strength. If this sounds familiar, talking with a therapist might help. Finding out who you are is an ongoing journey. It's about growing, not being perfect. Every step you take helps build a life that feels right for you.
Image credit: Photo by Hannah Xu on Unsplash
