The twenties are often romanticized as the decade of freedom, growth, and endless possibilities. But for many, this period can be confusing, disorienting, and at times, deeply challenging. Questions about identity, purpose, and direction can feel overwhelming, leaving young adults unsure of themselves. In this article, we interviewed a young graphic designer who faced an identity crisis in their early twenties. Their story offers insights, lessons, and hope for anyone experiencing similar struggles.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what your life was like in your 20s?
I am currently a graphic designer and, looking back, I think I am doing pretty well. I would describe myself as an ambivert, someone who enjoys being around people but also cherishes solitude. Life in my 20s, however, was nothing like I had imagined as a teenager. Everything felt shocking in a way I couldn’t have predicted. I thought I knew exactly who I was and where I was headed, but reality quickly proved me wrong. There were moments that were confusing, lonely, and overwhelming, and I had to navigate them without any clear roadmap.
When did you first start feeling lost or unsure about your identity?
I think it started when I was 22. I had just graduated from school, and on the surface, everything seemed to be going smoothly. I had plans and goals that I thought were well figured out. But then I suddenly got unsure of many things. The things I used to enjoy felt empty and I started questioning everything I thought I knew about myself. I realized that my certainty about my identity was not as strong as I had believed.
How did this identity crisis affect your mental health and daily life?
It affected me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. I felt a constant restlessness that I couldn’t shake off. I started withdrawing from activities I once enjoyed and from people I cared about, even though I tried to maintain appearances. My sleep became irregular, I lost focus at work, and I felt a general sense of emptiness that seemed to follow me everywhere. Even simple decisions became exhausting because I doubted my own judgment and sense of direction.
Were there any signs that made you realize it was more than just normal stress?
The biggest sign was the exhaustion I felt from just being in my own life. Normally, stress has a cause that can be addressed, but this felt like a persistent disconnection from myself. I noticed that the things that used to make me happy no longer had meaning. I felt trapped in my own thoughts, and I began noticing that my reactions to everyday situations were unusually intense. That’s when I realized that this was something deeper than ordinary stress.
Did you face any stigma, either from yourself or others about struggling with this?
In truth, nobody knew what I was going through at that time. I had to maintain the perception that everything was fine, that I had my life together, because that was what people expected of me. I didn’t share my struggles with friends or family. Looking back, I can see how isolating it was to carry that weight alone, and I wish I had felt comfortable reaching out sooner.
What motivated you to seek help or start making changes?
I think the turning point came when I realized that time was slipping away and I couldn’t continue living this way. It scared me to see myself stagnating and losing touch with who I wanted to be. I had to do something because I could no longer ignore the emptiness I felt. That fear, mixed with a desire to find myself, was what pushed me to finally look for solutions.
Who or what supported you during this period?
Interestingly, there was no one close to me who knew what I was going through until after I started feeling better. In retrospect, I wish I had shared some of it with my friends. But what really helped me was professional guidance. I had spent a lot of time online asking questions and exploring self-help resources, and that’s how I discovered counseling. I decided to try it, and it turned out to be the support I really needed.
What strategies or habits helped you cope or understand yourself better?
Before seeking professional help, I tried coping on my own in ways that weren’t very healthy. I would distract myself endlessly, thinking that staying busy was enough. But when I finally engaged in therapy, I learned tools to process my emotions, understand my patterns, and approach life with more awareness. I started journaling regularly, reflecting on my thoughts without judgment, and practicing small daily habits that reinforced self-compassion. Those steps slowly helped me reconnect with myself.
Looking back, what were the biggest lessons you learned from this experience?
One of the most important lessons is that it’s not abnormal to go through this kind of uncertainty in your 20s. Many people experience it, even if they don’t talk about it. But it also taught me that waiting and trying to handle it alone can make things harder. Reaching out for help, even if it feels uncomfortable, is not a weakness but it’s part of growth. I learned to be patient with myself and to acknowledge that personal development is a gradual process.
What advice would you give to someone in their 20s going through a similar identity crisis?
Your 20s are once, so don’t try to do life alone. Seek guidance, whether from professionals, friends, or mentors you trust. Be honest with yourself about how you feel, even when it’s uncomfortable. Please, explore your interests and don't limit yourself. You are permitted to change your mind until you get it right. Most importantly, remember that questioning yourself is not a failure, it’s a sign that you’re actively trying to grow and understand who you are.
Conclusion
Going through an identity crisis in your twenties can feel pretty lonely, but know that you’re definitely not alone in this. The journey we’re talking about here serves as a reminder that feeling uncertain is just part of growing up. Seeking help is actually a sign of strength, not a weakness.
By taking the time to reflect on our experiences, reaching out for support, and being kind to ourselves, we can find our way again, get to know ourselves better, and really make the most of this transformative decade. Sure, your twenties might come with a lot of questions, but they can also be an incredible time for personal growth.