​Why is individual identity important to mental health?

Our individual identity is made up of many components.  We continually make important and influential decisions about the roles we choose to assume and the messages we receive from our environment.  What does it mean to you to be male or female?  Black, White, Asian or Latino? Cis, Trans, or Gay?  Rich or poor? Old or young?  How do you feel about yourself when people say you are good or bad?  Good-looking, fit, athletic,  overweight, or "unattractive"?

All of the beliefs we hold about ourselves influence the way we feel, how confident we are, the goals we set for ourselves, and the amount of resilience we show in the face of adversity.

When we carry negative views of ourselves, negative thinking becomes a habit, and negative coping skills (disengagement, avoidance, substance abuse, physical violence) become stable responses.  Conversely, inflated views of our importance or the belief that we are in some way superior to others, erodes our ability to be empathetic, compassionate, and cooperative members of the schools, organizations, or workplaces we inhabit.

Balance is achieved by a continuous commitment to self-awareness.  This involves "rolling up the sleeves" and being willing to confront our irrational thoughts and  distorted beliefs.