Identity Crisis:

Identity crisis was coined in 1950 by German-American child psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, who believed identity formation was one of the most significant conflicts we face. He described it as a time of intensive analysis and exploration of different ways of looking at oneself. It’s not only important during adolescence, but it shifts and changes throughout life as we confront new challenges and tackle different experiences. Crises, including midlife crises, often occur in response to a sudden change or major stressor in our lives, whether personal, health, or broader societal events (global warming, pandemics). The likelihood of experiencing an identity crisis increases with depression, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder.