The novel coronavirus set in motion a global pandemic that the world is still attempting to understand, treat, and grapple with.
When Coronavirus Disease 2019 Becomes Part of Your Identity
Living with coronavirus disease 2019 over time can lead to a fusion of identity and diagnosis. You may find yourself thinking "I am coronavirus disease 2019" rather than "I have coronavirus disease 2019." This identity fusion has significant consequences:
- Reduces motivation (why try if this is just who I am?)
- Increases shame and stigma internalization
- Makes recovery feel like losing part of yourself
- Limits how others see you (and how you see yourself)
Reclaiming a Multidimensional Identity
Your identity is vastly larger than coronavirus disease 2019. A powerful exercise: complete this sentence 20 times with anything other than your struggles:
"I am someone who ___________"
Values, roles, relationships, interests, history, capabilities — all form your identity.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 as One Chapter, Not the Whole Story
Narrative therapy offers a powerful reframe: coronavirus disease 2019 is one story in a much larger life narrative. You are the author, not the character defined by struggle.
Externalizing the problem: Practice talking about "Coronavirus Disease 2019 that visits me" rather than "my Coronavirus Disease 2019." This linguistic shift creates psychological distance and agency.
Building Identity Beyond Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Invest in relationships that see your full self, not just your struggles
- Pursue interests unrelated to mental health — art, sport, learning, creativity
- Find meaning — purpose larger than symptom management provides identity anchor
- Contribute to others — giving to others builds positive identity components
- Celebrate growth — document how you've changed, overcome, adapted
The Strengths That Coronavirus Disease 2019 Builds
Many people find that navigating coronavirus disease 2019 develops genuine strengths: deep empathy, resilience, self-awareness, creativity, and a hard-won wisdom about what matters in life.