Psychology Today says that our identities encompass memories, experiences, relationships, and values. These components all help to create our identities and our sense of self. Identity is the person’s answer to the question, “Who am I?”

Identity is important because having a sense of identity gives us a sense of belonging. If we know ourselves, it’s easier to find people and places where we feel like we belong.

For teenagers, identity development is critical as it forms the basis of one’s self-esteem while shaping one’s perception of belonging. Thus, a teenager who is developing their identity is learning what makes them unique while being able to fit in.

During adolescence, teenagers undergo a process of identity formation. This is when they explore and develop their sense of self. Because a teenager’s identity is shaped by a lot of factors (i.e. family, friends, school, social media, cultural and societal expectations, etc.), a teenager needs to take active steps to shape their identity. This may entail reflecting on their beliefs, values, and interests; making choices as to the environment and people they want to be part of, modifying their beliefs and/ or behaviors based on feedback, as well as opening themselves to the “different presentations of themselves.” They may also question authority figures and societal norms as they establish their independence as well as their own beliefs and values.

According to the Human Development Teaching and Learning Group, the task of identity development involves the integration of three different strands:

1. “Who I discover myself to be.” Personal identity needs to be anchored in what is real and true about an adolescent’s individuality. Thus, their identity needs to correspond with information they are receiving about themselves from deep temperamental, emotional, and motivational processes.
2. “Who I think others think I am.” The second strand involves adolescents coming to grips with the societal messages that they have already learned about these various attributes and categories. Adolescents are tasked with constructing an identity that is socially acceptable, one that family, friends, classmates, teachers, online communities, and society at large will validate as “good.”
3. “Do I feel good about myself?” The third consists of a summative personal and social evaluation of this whole identity that the adolescent has put together.

The process of discovering oneself can be very confusing and is wrought with uncertainties. This feeling of uncertainty and confusion can often lead to what is called teenage angst, a common phenomenon during adolescence. Teenage angst is defined as the feelings of anxiety, frustration, confusion, and rebellion commonly experienced by adolescents as they navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood (Clarke 2003).

While this may seem just a rite of passage that would pass in time, it is still an incredibly confusing experience that is marked with high levels of stress and emotional highs. Adolescents may feel misunderstood or alienated, which is manifested in various ways such as mood swings, rebellious behavior, self-destructive behaviors, withdrawal from social interactions, and a tendency to challenge rules and boundaries.

Here are various ways manage teenage angst, according to Clear Behavior Health:

• Express emotions: Expressing emotions can help teenagers process their feelings and gain clarity. This can be through the following: talking with trusted friends or family members, writing in a journal, or engaging in creative outlets like art or music.
• Develop coping skills: Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness, physical exercise, doing self-care activities, or engaging in hobbies or interests that bring joy and fulfillment are just a few examples of coping activities that an adolescent can engage in.
• Seek support: During times of distress, having a supportive network of people who listen without judgment and offer guidance is invaluable. And if does become overwhelming, seeking professional help is helpful as it provides the tools and strategies to cope with emotions and recommend healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
• Set realistic goals: Pursuing goals can become overwhelming, so breaking larger goals into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel more attainable and less anxiety inducing.
• Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation is advisable when feeling stressed and anxious.
• Connect with peers: Being around friends can create a sense of belonging can provide validation, support, and companionship during stressful times.

The journey to self-discovery is not easy, but it is one of the most significant journey that one embarks on in their lifetime. So be patient, hang in there, and trust the process.

Sources:

Harac, Lani. “Rebellion, Identity, and Other Sources of Adolescent Angst.” Last modified November 25, 2004. 20  https://www.edweek.org/education/rebellion-identity-and-other-sources-of-adolescent-angst/2004/11.

Marius, Andrei. “Identity Crisis: A Short Guide for Parents and Teenagers.” https://st.network/analysis/top/identity-crisis-a-short-guide-for-parents-of-teenagers.html.

Clear Behavioral Health. “What Is Teenage Angst and Is It Normal?” Accessed May 4, 2024.  https://clearbehavioralhealth.com/teenage-angst/.

Chigunduru, Manyara. “Navigating the Maze of Self-Discovery to Prevent Identity Crisis.” Last modified March 5, 2024.  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/navigating-maze-self-discovery-prevent-identity-manyara-chigunduru.