{"id":8030,"date":"2025-07-09T19:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/?p=8030"},"modified":"2025-06-28T14:27:08","modified_gmt":"2025-06-28T06:27:08","slug":"authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Authentic Self Finding: In Times of Stress &amp; Change"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Janeefa_WebPic-3-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6639\" style=\"width:57px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure><p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/about-us\/our-team-in-kota-damansara\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Written by Jenefa Anthony\u00a0 KB 11780<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p>Stress and change have a way of stripping everything down to the essentials. The routines, roles, and distractions that normally shape our lives fall away or get disrupted. We frequently have to confront the painful but important question, &#8220;Who am I, really?&#8221; during these times when everything seems uncertain.<\/p><p>The idea of the \u201cauthentic self\u201d isn\u2019t just a pop psychology buzzword. It\u2019s backed by decades of research in identity, personality, and self-determination theory. When people are connected to their authentic self, they report greater life satisfaction, stronger relationships, and better mental health outcomes (Sheldon et al., 1997; Kernis &amp; Goldman, 2006). But the road to that self isn\u2019t always obvious, especially during times of stress, transition, or crisis.<\/p><p><strong>Reminder: If you or your loved ones are struggling with relationship or mental health issues, please don&#8217;t hesitate to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?phone=60127229211\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reach out<\/a>\u00a0to us at Soul Mechanics KD or Soul Mechanics Ipoh. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but strength!<\/strong><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#What_Is_the_%E2%80%9CAuthentic_Self%E2%80%9D_Actually\" title=\"What Is the \u201cAuthentic Self,\u201d Actually?\">What Is the \u201cAuthentic Self,\u201d Actually?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#How_Stress_and_Change_Disrupt_Identity\" title=\"How Stress and Change Disrupt Identity?\">How Stress and Change Disrupt Identity?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#Why_Hard_Times_Can_Lead_to_Real_Growth\" title=\"Why Hard Times Can Lead to Real Growth?\">Why Hard Times Can Lead to Real Growth?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#Signs_Youre_Not_Living_Authentically\" title=\"Signs You\u2019re Not Living Authentically\">Signs You\u2019re Not Living Authentically<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#How_to_Reconnect_with_Your_Authentic_Self\" title=\"How to Reconnect with Your Authentic Self?\">How to Reconnect with Your Authentic Self?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#Slow_Down_and_Listen\" title=\"Slow Down and Listen\">Slow Down and Listen<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#Clarify_Your_Values\" title=\"Clarify Your Values\">Clarify Your Values<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#Notice_Your_%E2%80%9CShoulds%E2%80%9D\" title=\"Notice Your \u201cShoulds\u201d\">Notice Your \u201cShoulds\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#Start_Small_Acts_of_Courage\" title=\"Start Small Acts of Courage\">Start Small Acts of Courage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#Talk_to_People_Who_Understand_It\" title=\"Talk to People Who Understand It\">Talk to People Who Understand It<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#The_Authentic_Self_Isnt_Fixed_Thats_Good\" title=\"The Authentic Self Isn\u2019t Fixed? That\u2019s Good!\">The Authentic Self Isn\u2019t Fixed? That\u2019s Good!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/authentic-self-finding-in-times-of-stress-change\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_%E2%80%9CAuthentic_Self%E2%80%9D_Actually\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What Is the \u201cAuthentic Self,\u201d Actually?<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXevGhYsPmAK_qLl8-FysYYyOubISQZwfV3fghxwz-eTOBQHrqFrkT1NeVxyPV1rQMTvTuLKVgg2EHRa1DY_OVXJm8FlQ59_WrEGMIyXBObzyMfCTvz8JbkzEwnOhoBuSqLFHQX4SA?key=hV3xw44wIvA6bMQ5hGE3uw\" alt=\"Authentic Self\" style=\"width:635px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure><\/div><p>Let\u2019s start by clarifying what it means to be authentic. It\u2019s not about being brutally honest all the time or airing every thought you have. It\u2019s about living in alignment with your core values, beliefs, and personality, even when external pressures pull you in different directions.<\/p><p>Authenticity is also the unhindered operation of one&#8217;s true self in one&#8217;s daily life, according to psychologists Michael Kernis and Brian Goldman (Kernis &amp; Goldman, 2006). It involves four key elements:<\/p><p>1) Self-awareness: knowing your values, emotions, and motivations.<\/p><p>2) Unbiased processing: being honest with yourself, including about your flaws.<\/p><p>3) Behaviour congruent with your values: walking your talk.<\/p><p>4) Relational openness: being genuine with others, not just performing roles.<\/p><p>When these pieces fall into place, life feels more coherent. But most of us don\u2019t live that way all the time, and stress makes it even harder.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Stress_and_Change_Disrupt_Identity\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How Stress and Change Disrupt Identity?<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Stressful life events like moving to a new city, losing a job, going through a breakup, and becoming a parent can also create what psychologists call identity disequilibrium. That\u2019s a fancy way of saying, \u201cWhat used to make sense no longer does.\u201d<\/p><p>According to Erikson\u2019s theory of psychosocial development (Erikson, 1950), identity isn\u2019t something we find once and hold onto forever. It evolves, often through crises. These crises aren\u2019t always dramatic; they can be subtle shifts in what matters to us or changes in how we see the world. But they all pose the same question, \u201c<em>Does the way I\u2019m living still match who I am?<\/em>\u201d<\/p><p>Under pressure, many people fall into \u201cfalse self\u201d behaviours, basically, playing roles to meet expectations or avoid conflict. You might keep saying yes to things you hate, fake optimism, or pretend to be someone you\u2019re not just to survive. In the short term, that works. In the long run, it leads to burnout, anxiety, and feeling emotionally disconnected.<\/p><p><strong>Reminder: If you or your loved ones are struggling with relationship or mental health issues, please don&#8217;t hesitate to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?phone=60127229211\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reach out<\/a>\u00a0to us at Soul Mechanics KD or Soul Mechanics Ipoh. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but strength!<\/strong><\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Hard_Times_Can_Lead_to_Real_Growth\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Why Hard Times Can Lead to Real Growth?<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXff5hHR4L7nuQZ5eFrV2vUi9AY3uiS8zk7TLkQIyQ3FkE_sOLDVXgHMGskhmVwI4qdzhowRWUqmCxfHF6Rrd21QP-nUeEyR4f0gmvZOfamT_1cnN9NMBHjFA7fU2hjFLVSSmfLMUA?key=hV3xw44wIvA6bMQ5hGE3uw\" alt=\"Authentic Self\" style=\"width:575px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure><\/div><p>However, contrary to popular belief, struggle often helps in clarifying who you are. Stressful events force you to re-evaluate priorities, shed what\u2019s not working, and reclaim what matters most. This process is called post-traumatic growth, something well documented in psychological research (Tedeschi &amp; Calhoun, 2004).<\/p><p>Here\u2019s how it happens:<\/p><p>Loss of structure reveals true needs. When your routine is broken, you notice what you actually miss and what you don\u2019t. That tells you a lot about what matters.<\/p><p>Forced reflection increases self-awareness. Major changes often leave you questioning what you\u2019re doing with your life. That\u2019s uncomfortable but necessary.<\/p><p>Limits create clarity. You can\u2019t do it all during high-stress times. So you prioritise. Those decisions reveal your true values.<\/p><p>Vulnerability connects you to others. When life gets real, masks come off. You\u2019re more likely to form deep, meaningful connections, one of the best mirrors for your authentic self.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_Youre_Not_Living_Authentically\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Signs You\u2019re Not Living Authentically<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Let\u2019s make this concrete. If you\u2019re not in touch with your authentic self, you might notice:<\/p><p>\u00b7&nbsp; Feeling drained or restless, even when life looks \u201cfine\u201d on paper<\/p><p>\u00b7&nbsp; Frequently doing things out of obligation, not interest<\/p><p>\u00b7&nbsp; Numbing out with distractions (scrolling, drinking, overworking)<\/p><p>\u00b7&nbsp; Saying things you don\u2019t really believe, just to keep the peace<\/p><p>\u00b7&nbsp; Feeling like you\u2019re watching your own life instead of living it<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfu9a2eLJ_MP5FuaOtarnPJQwlsC5KApYT6Ep9d38UaCSUCJ_bXBowH-fa48CiV0drYb_y5jeso8tjaAaJrXseF1a0Bogbd1JPXsMJqJGjQZhdrZllkPvGV9KVQod5JZ5WdkTyWaA?key=hV3xw44wIvA6bMQ5hGE3uw\" alt=\"Authentic Self\" style=\"width:526px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure><\/div><p>These aren\u2019t signs of failure. They\u2019re signals that your inner compass needs a reset.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Reconnect_with_Your_Authentic_Self\"><\/span><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>How to Reconnect with Your Authentic Self?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>You don\u2019t have to drop everything and reinvent your life. Finding your real self is a gradual process of tuning in and adjusting. Here are some steps grounded in psychological research and real-world practice:<\/p><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Slow_Down_and_Listen\"><\/span><em><strong>Slow Down and Listen<\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5><p>When you\u2019re constantly reacting to stress, there\u2019s no space to hear your inner voice. Start small. Even 10 minutes a day of quiet journaling, walking, or sitting without distraction can help you reconnect.<\/p><p>Ask: What do I need right now? What do I really want to say?<\/p><p>This kind of mindfulness has been shown to increase self-awareness and authenticity (Brown &amp; Ryan, 2003).<\/p><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Clarify_Your_Values\"><\/span><em><strong>Clarify Your Values<\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5><p>Values are the backbone of authenticity. But most people haven\u2019t consciously defined theirs. Take time to identify your top five core values (e.g., honesty, creativity, connection, independence, growth). Then look at your life and ask:<\/p><p>Am I living in a way that reflects these values? Where am I compromising?<\/p><p>Research shows that even small daily acts aligned with your values can boost well-being (Collins et al., 2024).<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcw6uU6lrMgUTrlA-lcwm2-Go9bDzPzwtXyTOZmgUHPX94K7pE64-qH0fYDyHOrMDSPeWZJ63VfNCOZxrvOYwsY5iHXQvQsYq2ghX3Tw6kmsbh1-i3b_FYpBdjTrHlmUBNFQz3q?key=hV3xw44wIvA6bMQ5hGE3uw\" alt=\"Authentic Self\" style=\"width:478px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure><\/div><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Notice_Your_%E2%80%9CShoulds%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><em><strong>Notice Your \u201cShoulds\u201d<\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5><p>Whenever you hear yourself thinking, \u201c I should do this,\u201d pause. Is that \u201cshould\u201d coming from you or from societal expectations, family scripts, or fear?<\/p><p>Replace \u201cshould\u201d with \u201cwant\u201d or \u201cchoose.\u201d You might find that the desire isn\u2019t there and that\u2019s worth listening to.<\/p><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_Small_Acts_of_Courage\"><\/span><em><strong>Start Small Acts of Courage<\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5><p>Living authentically doesn\u2019t always mean big moves. It might be as simple as saying no to something that drains you or sharing an honest opinion. Over time, these small acts build a stronger connection to your true self.<\/p><p>Self-Determination Theory (Deci &amp; Ryan, 2000) emphasises autonomy as a basic psychological need. Each choice you make from a place of personal agency strengthens that need and your authenticity.<\/p><h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Talk_to_People_Who_Understand_It\"><\/span><em><strong>Talk to People Who Understand It<\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5><p>Authenticity grows in relationships. Find people who let you be real, who don\u2019t flinch when you drop the mask. Whether it\u2019s a friend, support group, or therapist, being seen as you are reinforces that it\u2019s safe to show up fully.<\/p><p><strong>Reminder: If you or your loved ones are struggling with relationship or mental health issues, please don&#8217;t hesitate to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?phone=60127229211\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reach out<\/a>\u00a0to us at Soul Mechanics KD or Soul Mechanics Ipoh. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but strength!<\/strong><\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Authentic_Self_Isnt_Fixed_Thats_Good\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Authentic Self Isn\u2019t Fixed? That\u2019s Good<\/span><\/strong>!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>One of the biggest myths about authenticity is that there\u2019s a single, unchanging \u201creal you\u201d waiting to be uncovered. In truth, the authentic self is fluid. It evolves as you grow, learn, and change.<\/p><p>Think of it like a compass, not a destination. Your values and core traits guide you, but how you express them will shift over time. That\u2019s not inauthentic, but human.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Stress and change aren\u2019t just disruptions to endure. They\u2019re invitations. When life shakes you up, it\u2019s often giving you a chance to strip away what\u2019s false and reconnect with what\u2019s true.<\/p><p>There is no compulsion in having all the answers right away. Just start by listening more closely to your gut, questioning the scripts you\u2019ve inherited, and making one small choice each day that feels a little more like you.<\/p><p>Because in the end, authenticity isn\u2019t a luxury, it\u2019s a psychological need. And the more you live in alignment with your real self, the more resilient, fulfilled, and connected you\u2019ll feel, especially when life gets tough.<\/p><p style=\"font-size:17px\">If you\u2019re looking for a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/about-us\/our-team-in-kota-damansara\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">therapist&nbsp;<\/a>in Kota Damansara or Ipoh area, you can click&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wa.link\/og2wl3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>&nbsp;for more information.<\/p><p style=\"font-size:17px\">If you enjoyed reading this, why not broaden the horizon of knowledge by learning about &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/feeling-lost-how-i-found-a-way-back\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Feeling Lost: How I Found A Way Back<\/a>&#8220;? You can read the blog\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/zh\/feeling-lost-how-i-found-a-way-back\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p><p style=\"font-size:17px\">For more content related to mental health do follow us on our official&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/soulmechanicstherapygram\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>.<\/p><p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Written by Jenefa Anthony\u00a0 KB 11780 Stress and change have a way of stripping everything down to the essentials. The routines, roles, and distractions that normally shape our lives fall away or get disrupted. We frequently have to confront the painful but important question, &#8220;Who am I, really?&#8221; during these times when everything seems uncertain. [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8047,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[92],"tags":[256,513,307,180,254,181,189],"class_list":["post-8030","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","tag-healing","tag-inner-self","tag-self-acceptance","tag-self-awareness","tag-self-compassion","tag-self-discovery","tag-stress"],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":{"landsacpe":["https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Identity-Crisis-and-Emotional-Detachment-in-Couples-3-1140x445.jpg",1140,445,true],"list":["https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Identity-Crisis-and-Emotional-Detachment-in-Couples-3-463x348.jpg",463,348,true],"medium":["https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Identity-Crisis-and-Emotional-Detachment-in-Couples-3-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"full":["https:\/\/soulmechanicstherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Identity-Crisis-and-Emotional-Detachment-in-Couples-3.jpg",1920,1080,false]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Authentic Self Finding: In Times of Stress &amp; Change<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"\u201cAuthentic Self\u201d isn\u2019t just a pop psychology buzzword. 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