How do you define yourself?

Often, we define ourselves using a job title, a degree, or some form of a simple answer using as little words as possible. Does that simple answer really capture who we are? At any given time, most of us wear multiple hats that encompass a laundry list of duties, skills, and interests.

During this difficult time, many people may be losing sight of who they really are. We have gotten so accustomed to our routines and our occupations that we may have forgotten the other simple and wonderful things that we have in our lives and what we are able to offer to others. Everyone is in a state of transition, youth as well as adults, learning how to function in their adapted roles. Some may even feel like they need a new purpose.

People are so much more complex than we realize.

This time has shown how resilient we are. It gives us an opportunity to step into different roles, problem solve more creatively, and show greater compassion for our fellow neighbors. As we think about who we are and how we think about ourselves, it is easy to feel like we have lost parts of who we are, especially those who may be out of work or school. We all have more to offer than our occupation or education. We all have many strengths within us and around us that we do not always think about. These strengths are things we can share with others and utilize for ourselves to get us through tough times.

A local initiative, through the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, Chautauqua Tapestry, has worked with a national team of prevention educators from Sources of Strength to bring a new and unique program to educate on wellness and prevention in our schools and community. Its mission is to provide the highest quality evidence-based prevention for suicide, violence, bullying and substance abuse by training, supporting, and empowering both peer leaders and caring adults to impact their world through the power of connection, hope, help and strength.

The program is typically school-based but the resources and ideas behind it are for everyone. It operates from an upstream prevention model, which means instead of identifying people who are already at risk, education and tools are provided to everyone to cast a wide net of support. The key component to Sources of Strength is focusing on the eight evidenced-based protective factors to reduce instances of suicide, bullying, substance use, harassment, violence, and dating violence. These protective factors include family support, positive friends, mentors, healthy activities, generosity, spirituality, medical access, and mental health. After reading that list, it is safe to say no one is 100% strong in each one of these areas. However, they are a good guide to strive for when think about our overall wellness and defining who we are.

When we focus on those protective factors, we can paint a broader picture of who we are and the type of person we want to be. Notice, no where on that list is occupation, social status, finances, or memberships we hold. Those key protective factors help us sift out what important in life.

A key factor during this time is generosity and spreading acts of kindness. There is evidence to suggest that when you help others, it can promote physiological changes in the brain linked with happiness and strengthen our support networks, building more connection to friends and family. Creating a sense of belonging can reduce isolation. Being generous with our time, skills, and resources can help keep things in perspective. Many times, people do not realize the impact they can have on another person’s life. Being aware of your own acts of kindness, as well as recognizing the things you are grateful for, can increase feelings of happiness, optimism, and satisfaction. Doing good deeds can lead to a more positive outlook about your own circumstances. Generosity is also contagious, the good kind of contagious. One kind act can spark others to do that same. When we help others by using what we have at our disposal, we feel good and they feel good. It connects us more as a community and allows us to see that we can positively influence the lives of others in a variety of ways.

For those who feel as though they have lost part of their identity or their purpose, think about other factors in your life that contribute to who you are. What is your family like? Who are your friends? Are there people in your life you can turn to for guidance? Do you have hobbies or activities you enjoy? When was the last time you went out of your way for someone? What makes you feel connected to something bigger than yourself? Do you have access to medical care? Do you know resources that can help you in a difficult time? If you are unable to answer some of these that is okay, it is an opportunity for growth and a step towards defining yourself further. If you have answers for them, that is great. Are you able help a friend who may be struggling with any of these factors?

Find your strengths, share them with people you trust, and remember that you are more than a role or title. You have an opportunity right now to see yourself in a completely new light or to help someone you care about reimagine themselves.

For anyone who is struggling, Chautauqua County has many organizations dedicated to the health and safety of our community members. Many mental health agencies are up and running, and they are available for telehealth counseling. Two great resources to consider are Family Service of the Chautauqua Region, 488-1971, and the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene. For Dunkirk call 363-3550, for Jamestown call 661-8850.