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ACC-Mental Health-Identity- How can I understand how my identities overlap? Q2-Susan · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: How can I understand how my identities overlap?
• 0:05
  SPEAKER_00: Identity is like a combination of your inner self, thoughts and feelings, your outer labels such as name, beliefs, personality, life experience, background, and your story, what you have been through.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_00: This isn't fixed and can change over time, especially as you grow and experience new things.
• 0:33
  SPEAKER_00: Social identities are how you see yourself as groups.
• 0:38
  SPEAKER_00: For example, gender, religion, profession, nationality.
• 0:46
  SPEAKER_00: It also includes how others see you within those groups.
• 0:51
  SPEAKER_00: Understanding how your identities overlap is a powerful way to understand yourself.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_00: It is about how different aspects of identity combine and shape experiences in unique ways.
• 1:08
  SPEAKER_00: For example, noticing how different parts of you interact, reinforce each other or create tension in different contexts.
• 1:19
  SPEAKER_00: Name your identities, so gender, race, ethnicity, class, etc.
• 1:26
  SPEAKER_00: Be honest about what feels relevant for you.
• 1:30
  SPEAKER_00: Here are some questions you could ask yourself.
• 1:34
  SPEAKER_00: What identities feel meaningful or important to you?
• 1:42
  SPEAKER_00: Where do you shrink or mask parts of yourself?
• 1:48
  SPEAKER_00: Which identities feel invisible?
• 1:53
  SPEAKER_00: Which ones become most noticeable in certain spaces?
• 1:59
  SPEAKER_00: For example, your gender may feel central at work but less relevant with close friends.
• 2:07
  SPEAKER_00: Your cultural background may feel stronger around family, but less so at work.
• 2:15
  SPEAKER_00: Look at where they interact, not just coexist.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_00: Notice how they change each other, and notice or ask yourself where do I feel tension between two identities?
• 2:31
  SPEAKER_00: Explore power and privilege.
• 2:35
  SPEAKER_00: Reflect on how systems affect overlapping identities.
• 2:40
  SPEAKER_00: For deeper reflection, which identity feels stable versus evolving?
• 2:48
  SPEAKER_00: If I removed one identity, how would my life change?
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_00: When do I feel like all of me is welcome?
• 2:58
  SPEAKER_00: If you are thinking of harming yourself or feel unsafe, please call your local emergency number or crisis line.