Identity & Life Changes

Being a young person means you're navigating lots of changes at the same time:

• Growing up

• Friendships changing

• New feelings and relationships

• Family expectations

• School pressure

• Social media influence

• Questions around your personality or future

• Figuring out your sexuality or gender

• Comparing yourself to others

It’s completely normal to feel unsure, stuck, or overwhelmed — identity isn’t something you decide once; it’s something you build over time.

You might experience changes such as:

• Starting or leaving school/college

• Moving house

• Friendship fallouts

• New relationships

• Puberty and body changes

• Parents divorcing or new family structures

• Cultural or religious expectations

• Losing someone important

• Changes in mental health

• Shifts in social groups

• Getting your first job

These changes can shape how you see yourself — sometimes positively, sometimes in challenging ways.

You are not expected to have a clear identity yet. Exploring is part of growing.

✅ Try New Things

Hobbies, sports, creative projects, volunteering — each helps you learn what you enjoy.

✅ Learn What You Value

Kindness? Honesty? Creativity? Independence?
Your values shape who you are.

✅ Notice What Shapes You

Your culture, community, passions, experiences, and relationships all contribute to your identity.

✅ Allow Yourself to Change

It’s okay if who you were last year isn’t who you are now.

✅ Stop Comparing Yourself

Identity isn’t a race. You don’t need to match anyone else’s timeline.

✅ Positive Influences

• Supportive friends

• Inspiring teachers or adults

• Creative outlets

• Cultural pride

• Healthy social media spaces

• Role models who uplift you

❌ Negative Influences

• Toxic friendships

• Social pressure

• Online comparison

• Bullying

• Strict expectations

• Fear of judgement

If something makes you feel small, trapped, or confused — it doesn’t define you.
You choose what becomes part of your story.

Many young people feel like they don’t fit in.
This might look like:

• Feeling out of place at school

• Having different interests from your friends

• Feeling unsure about your future

• Feeling disconnected from your culture or family

• Not matching others’ expectations

• Feeling “behind” compared to your peers

You don’t have to change who you are to belong.
The right people will like you exactly as you are.

Life changes can feel scary — even positive ones.
Here are ways to cope:

✅ Talk About It

Speak to a trusted adult, friend, teacher or youth worker.

✅ Give Yourself Time

Change feels weird at first. That doesn’t mean it’s bad.

✅ Keep Your Routines

Familiar habits make change easier to handle.

✅ Stay Connected

Friends, family, clubs or groups can help you feel grounded.

✅ Look After Your Mental Health

Sleep, food, movement and breaks help your mind adjust.

✅ Ask for Support

You don’t have to figure things out alone.

Feeling lost or unsure doesn’t mean you’re broken.
It means you're human.

You may be struggling with:

• Low confidence

• Anxiety or overthinking

• Confusion about sexuality or gender

• Pressure to be someone you're not

• Fear of disappointing others

• Feeling invisible or misunderstood

These are signs to talk to someone who can help you feel more grounded and supported.

You can speak to:

• A youth worker

• School counsellor

• Trusted adult

• Teacher

• GP

• Support service