Parents are a major subject to an identity crisis due to the conflict in their roles as parents, humans, and employees. How would this affect your life as a parent and how to cope with it?

A period of uncertainty or bewilderment in a person’s life is classified as an identity crisis. A situation arises when a person’s sense of identity becomes fragile and unstable. An identity crisis usually develops when something in a person’s life changes. However, an identity crisis can occur at any time, and through any stage of your life.

As a parent, you might struggle with an identity complex, adding an extra layer of complication, and affected by several external factors. Memories, experiences, relationships, and values can all be affected by your identity crisis.  So how to cope?

The importance of your identity

Identity is a concept that has been socially and mentally formed. We learn about our own and other people’s identities through encounters with family, peers, organizations, institutions, media, and other connections we make in our daily lives. Your identity is defined by how you perceive yourself or how you feel others perceive you. One’s ego, often known as your “feeling of self,” is made up of multiple identities. Typically you have several identities that are acquired through the things that are done, the society you belong to, the self-labels we believe in, and even the items we own.

Your current identity as a parent is, truly fulfilling, but is also often disturbing and confusing. You might be exhausted by feelings of stress, anxiety, low self-worth, and social isolation.

Causes of identity crisis for parents

Having a child brings a lot of joy and love into a parent’s life. However, it can also refer to the unexpected loss of or changes in parts of your life. New parents, particularly moms, may feel as if they have lost:

• Professional identity
• The ability to make money
• Social life
• Time for leisure activities
• Spontaneity
• Time with their partner and friends
• Time to be alone
• Confidence in how they look
• Freedom

These modifications might make you feel unprepared or stuck as a result of the enormous upheaval that has happened in your life. 

Signs and symptoms of identity crisis for parents

Because an identity crisis isn’t a medical ailment, it doesn’t have the same “symptoms” as a cold or flu. Instead, consider the following symptoms that you might be having an identity crisis:

• You don’t know who you are in general or concerning a particular aspect of your life, such as your parenting role, your identity as a man/woman, friendships, and social cues.
• You’re having a lot of internal struggles because you’re not sure who you are or what your place in society is.
• Significant life upheavals, such as divorce, have lately impacted your sense of self.
• You doubt your values, faith, beliefs, interests, or professional choice, which significantly impact how you see yourself as a human.
• You want your life to have more meaning, purpose, or passion, away from your role as a parent.

It’s natural to wonder who you are, especially given how much you change during your life when having kids. When it starts to influence your daily thinking or functioning, you may be experiencing an identity crisis.

Coping with an identity crisis as a parent

There are numerous things you may do on your own to assist you in moving through an identity crisis. Some items to consider when you deal with queries regarding your identity as s parent are:

1. Create a mental fitness plan

If you’re experiencing an identity crisis, it’s time to start your mental wellness journey. Are you devoting time to your inner work? Are you involved in activities that bring you joy? How are you caring about your mental and physical health? In what ways do you put yourself first?

2. Learn to set boundaries

Setting boundaries with others and making commitments might help you acquire a better sense of who you are and what you want out of life while you’re trying to find out who you are and what you want out of life.

3. Consider your goals

Think of yourself as a separate individual from your role as a parent. Set future plans, outings, and aspirations for only you. You will be in a better position if you think about the future. The process may be painful today, but it will enable you to be a better, happier person in the future.

4. Be aware of your emotions

Don’t pressure yourself. Give yourself permission to experience those feelings and don’t overwhelm yourself with your thoughts. An identity crisis is wreaking havoc on your mental health and fitness. It can be frightening, terrifying, and numbing all at the same time.

Remember that these emotions are entirely natural. They don’t imply that you don’t love your child or that you’re not doing a good job. It will simply take time to acclimate.