Our Identity, Values and Mental Health
‘‘False beliefs, or delusions, and false perceptions, or hallucinations, are characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia’’: The Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Values form the core of our personal and social identity, deeply influencing how we relate with others and fostering a sense of belonging and emotional grounding. Values are tested in the face of mistreatment, need, adversity and deprivation.
Identity refers to the understanding of who we are, our self-concept, and how we perceive ourselves in relation to the world. It includes our beliefs, values, roles, and experiences, all of which shape how we interact with others and make decisions.
WHY VALUES ARE IMPORTANT
Values serve as a compass, guiding individuals towards a fulfilling life. They provide a sense of purpose and meaning, enabling people to make intentional decisions that align with their core principles.
Beyond personal fulfilment, values play a crucial role in fostering meaningful relationships. They enable individuals to establish boundaries, establish healthy connections, and develop relationships that respect their self-worth.
Furthermore, research suggests that individuals who adopt a value-based lifestyle tend to experience improved mental well-being. This is because values provide a framework for self-reflection and self-improvement, contributing to overall mental health and resilience.
At the societal level, values contribute to harmonious interactions and the achievement of collective goals that may be challenging to attain individually. They foster a sense of unity and purpose, enabling societies to progress and thrive.
In essence, values serve as a catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and the creation of a more fulfilling society. They empower individuals to shape their future and embrace their authentic selves, leading to a life of purpose and meaning.
BUILDING IDENTITY AND VALUES
The principles we hold dear, what we believe to be right or important, serve as a foundation for who we are. To build a strong identity, we must be clear about our values, as they influence our choices, actions, and the way we relate to the world. When we align our actions with our values, our sense of identity becomes stronger and more authentic.
HOW VALUES BUILD IDENTITY
Values act as the pillars that shape and reinforce our identity. When we prioritise certain values, such as honesty, compassion, or loyalty, these become defining traits in our identity. The consistency with which we live by our values solidifies our sense of self, giving us a clear understanding of who we are.
TYPES OF VALUES
There are various types of values that influence our identity. Some common categories include:
1. FAMILY VALUES:
Family values are the moral and ethical principles passed down from generation to generation, deeply rooted in tradition and culture. They shape how we view relationships, respect, and responsibilities within our close connections.
RESPECT:
Respect is foundational in family values, teaching us to honour others' perspectives and roles, particularly those of elders, while maintaining dignity in our interactions.
RESPONSIBILITY:
This value instils a sense of duty and accountability, whether in family life, work, or community.
LOVE AND SUPPORT:
Family values emphasise emotional bonding and care, encouraging mutual support and understanding during difficult times.
2. PERSONAL VALUES:
Personal values are individually developed principles that guide our personal decisions and actions. Unlike family values, which we inherit, personal values evolve based on our experiences and reflections.
INTEGRITY:
Integrity involves being honest and true to oneself, aligning actions with beliefs, and acting ethically in all situations.
AMBITION:
This value reflects the drive to achieve goals, pursue success, and strive for personal growth.
INDEPENDENCE:
Independence is the ability to make decisions and take actions autonomously, without being overly influenced by others.
Personal values help shape our unique identity, giving us a sense of direction and purpose. They allow us to navigate life's complexities with clarity and confidence.
3. CULTURAL VALUES:
These are shared beliefs and traditions within a community or society, guiding behaviours and worldview.
4. MORAL VALUES:
These concern principles of right and wrong, shaping ethical decision-making.
5. SPIRITUAL VALUES:
These involve beliefs rooted in faith or a higher purpose, shaping our sense of compassion and understanding of the world.
ARE IDENTITY AND PERSONALITY DIFFERENT?
While identity and personality are related, they are distinct concepts. Personality refers to the characteristics and traits we are born with or develop early in life, such as being introverted or extroverted. Identity, on the other hand, is shaped over time through our values, experiences, and decisions. While personality is more about behaviour, identity involves deeper aspects of belief and purpose.
KEY QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON:
- WHO ARE YOU?
- WHAT DEFINES YOU?
- WHAT IS YOUR IDENTITY ROOTED IN?
- WHAT KEEPS YOU GROUNDED IN TIMES OF WEAKNESS?
Answering these questions helps clarify our values and reinforces our sense of identity. It is through self-reflection that we can better understand our inner selves and align our actions with our beliefs.
THE HEALING PROCESS
Identity and values are critical during times of struggle. When faced with difficulties or uncertainty, our values are put to the test and serve as a compass that helps us navigate challenges. Healing often begins with re-establishing our identity, recognising our strengths, and returning to the values that sustain us. As we reconnect with who we are and what we stand for, we find the resilience to overcome hardships and restore our mental health.
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