Mental Illness And Identity
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Mental Illness And Identity

How my mental illnesses have had an impact on how I consider myself.

1915
Mental Illness And Identity
Flickr

My identity is affected by a number of factors. My gender, my race, my socioeconomic status, my schooling, my family, my friends, and a multitude of other things all affect it. But one thing also affects my identity in a way that is not discussed often enough: my mental illness.

In the tenth grade, during that awkward stage when teenagers are trying to figure out who exactly they are, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder. These two disorders have persisted for over five years now. I’m currently a junior in college, and I’m having issues figuring out which parts of me are wholly and completely me and which parts of me are from my mental illnesses.

For example, I don’t know if I’m naturally a borderline pessimist/realist or if that’s due to my depression. I don’t know if I’m naturally a worrier or if that’s just my anxiety. I don’t know if I care a lot about what people think or if I wouldn’t care at all if I were to be cured of my illnesses. I don’t know if I would be as perfectionistic without my illnesses. It’s hard to separate my own qualities from my symptoms, and that’s difficult. I can hardly remember a time where I did not have these illnesses.

I don’t mean to say that the identity crisis I’m experiencing is universal, nor do I mean to say that all of the impacts my mental illnesses have had on my identity have been negative. In fact, I believe that my mental illnesses have also had positive and lasting impacts on me. I have become a more empathetic and sympathetic person because of it, particularly for the internal suffering that many people go through. I have become passionate about mental health advocacy and have chosen a path in clinical (abnormal) psychology, which I might not have done otherwise. I have done a lot of research about mental illnesses, both those I do and do not have. Although the definition of a better person is subjective, I believe that I have become a better person because of it.

Therefore, I can’t really separate my mental illness from my identity. I am a person with a mental illness; it’s a part of me and has changed me in various ways. Having this identity, though, has introduced me to a community of people with similar identities to mine. I have met amazing people with mental illnesses and compared experiences. My relationships have become stronger and deeper than they might have been otherwise.

The intersection of mental illness and identity is a complicated one, but it’s also one that needs to be discussed. Many people are afraid to bring it up because of the stigma surrounding mental illness. However, I think considering it can help to bring out the positive impacts and combat the negative aspects of the impact on identity.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70761
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132377
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments