“I Don’t Recognize Myself Anymore”: Rediscovering Who You Are After Life Changes

There comes a moment—often quiet, sometimes jarring—when you look in the mirror or sit in silence and think:
“I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

It can happen after a major life change.
Or a series of small ones.
Or simply from putting everyone else’s needs before your own for too long.

Motherhood. Grief. A move. A breakup. Career shifts. Illness. Caregiving. Surviving.
Over time, parts of you may fade into the background, and suddenly, you’re left wondering where you went.

If this feels familiar, you’re not broken—you’re human. And you’re not alone.

What Are Life Transitions?

Life transitions are the big or small moments of change that reshape how we move through the world. Even the ones we “chose” can feel overwhelming or destabilizing.

These may include:

• Starting or ending a relationship

• Becoming a parent or an empty nester

• Changing careers, retiring, or losing a job

• Moving to a new place

• Grieving the loss of a loved one

• Coping with illness, disability, or a health diagnosis

• Going through a spiritual shift or identity change

• Graduating or leaving school

• Aging or entering a new life stage

These transitions can bring growth and opportunity. But they can also spark emotional upheaval, loss of identity, and a deep sense of disconnection.

Signs You May Be Struggling with a Life Transition

Change affects us all differently—but some emotional and behavioral signs may suggest you could benefit from additional support:

• You feel unmotivated, stuck, or emotionally numb

• You’ve lost interest in things that used to bring joy

• You’re constantly asking, “Who am I now?”

• You feel disconnected from your body, your relationships, or your purpose

• You experience anxiety, sadness, or mood swings

• You’re grieving not just what happened—but who you were before it

• You’re going through the motions but feel emotionally absent

• You’re overwhelmed by decisions or uncertain about your future

• You don’t feel “like yourself” anymore—and aren’t sure who that is

These are normal responses to life shifts—but that doesn’t mean you have to navigate them alone.

The Quiet Identity Crisis No One Talks About

So many people go through life transitions expecting to “bounce back” quickly or adjust without issue. But behind the scenes, it can feel like:

“I don’t feel like me anymore.”
“I don’t know what I want.”
“I’ve been surviving so long, I forgot what living feels like.”

This subtle unraveling of identity is more common than you think. And it often goes unnoticed—because on the outside, you might still be holding it all together.

But inside, it can feel like you're drifting.

Why Identity Loss Happens During Life Transitions

We’re always evolving. But some transitions happen so fast—or demand so much—that we can’t bring our full sense of self along with us.

This can happen when:

• You’re in a caregiving role that leaves no room for your own needs

• A relationship ends, and you no longer know who you are without it

• You’ve moved, retired, or changed roles—and lost your sense of purpose

• You’ve experienced trauma, grief, or burnout that reshaped your outlook

• You realize you’ve been in survival mode for so long, joy feels foreign

The loss isn’t just about circumstances—it’s about a shift in identity.

How Therapy Helps You Through Life Transitions

At Growth Era Counseling & Wellness, we specialize in helping people through the in-between seasons—the ones full of grief, questions, rediscovery, and becoming.

In therapy, you’ll find a safe, grounded space to:

• Process and make sense of the changes in your life

• Grieve what you’ve lost—people, roles, dreams, or versions of yourself

• Explore who you are now, and who you’re becoming

• Reconnect with your voice, values, and inner compass

• Rebuild confidence in your ability to move forward

• Cultivate tools to manage the stress, emotions, and uncertainty of change

Therapy doesn’t rush you to “fix” anything. It gives you room to be present with where you are—and build trust in the person you’re becoming.

You Deserve to Know Yourself Again

If you’re tired of feeling like a stranger in your own life, know this:

You don’t have to go back to who you were.
You get to become who you are now—with intention, support, and care.

Whether you’re facing a major change or feeling the weight of quiet shifts, we’re here to walk with you through it.

Therapy for Life Transitions in Connecticut

At Growth Era Counseling & Wellness, we offer individual therapy for life transitions throughout Connecticut via telehealth. If you’re looking for a therapist near you who understands what it’s like to feel lost in the midst of change, you’ve found a place to land and rebuild.