Identity crisis ‘affecting Bahraini youth’

Manama : The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has recently highlighted an unsettling revelation about the young generation in Bahrain. It said that a significant number of Bahraini youngsters aged between 15 and 24 (constituting 15.65 per cent of the total population) are struggling with identity crisis and lack of self-affirmation.

This insecurity is caused by the constant changes that our economy is going through, the emergence of violence as well as family detachment, it stated, adding that, “the solicitude is one among the challenges that concern the social development in the Kingdom”.

In this backdrop, Tribune got in touch with Kevin Abdulrahman, international author, speaker, coach, and mind nutritionist. In the past decade he has brought his eclectic mix of cultural knowledge to people across five continents.

“The contribution of Bahraini youth to the development and progress of this country is of paramount importance if we wish to survive and thrive in today’s highly competitive economic environment,” says Abdulrahman.

“The identity crisis some Bahraini teenagers are currently going through is a global issue. It’s the result of the clash between two generation: the old generation who’s struggling to preserve traditional values and a new vibrant generation who’s looking to make their own mark on the world,” he added.

Every teenager is a distinct case and must be treated as such. When struggling with identity crisis, an important role is played by self-affirmation. 

“They need to know that they’re free to express their original ideas and aspirations while having the conviction that they will have access to the prestigious roles of society without any hindrance,” revealed Abdulrahman.

“To have an identity means to be someone; to occupy a position in a given social context; to have a social and economic status that allows you to be a functional, self-sustaining and productive member of the society,” he added.

The first identity crisis typically occurs during adolescence. It is a time when most conflicts arise between teenagers and parents, many of them  struggling

to figure out who they are and what the future holds for them. “When teenagers are obstructed from expressing their personality and values, the result might be a severe identity crisis that can lead to serious problems at an individual and societal level,” says Abdulrahman. Any step taken toward tackling this issue begins with the individual experiencing the ordeal.

“Since change and growth comes primarily from within, the first ones who can tackle this issue are the teenagers themselves. They need to take a step back and figure out not who they are but who they want to be,” revealed Abdulrahman.

Family plays a crucial role in both our personal and professional growth. Sadly, families are not always a source of nurture and comfort that allows teenagers to grow into active and functional members of society.

 Sometimes, tend to be rigid ‘closed’ groups that prevent teenagers from affirming their unique personality. “Parents, grandparents, and other members of the familyneed to create an accepting, nonjudgmental environment where teenagers can safely express themselves. The kind of environment where divergent opinions are not labeled as a threat and ideas are discussed openly,” states Abdulrahman.

Educational institutions are considered the second home for youngster, their role in the matter is a crucial as that of a family member as it paves the way towards countless opportunities.

“Educational institutions should invest in training and coaching programs designed to help adolescents and teenagers discover their true passions. Once they discover their ‘inner drive,’ they can focus on building an action plan that will allow them to transform dreams and ideas into reality,” Youngsters in Bahrain number 220,787 and counting, of which, 6 per cent fall under the unemployment radar. The nation’s adherence to those struggling with identity crisis can mold them for a brighter and better future.

“To help our younger generation become the driving force behind economic and social progress, we need to change our mindset and adopt a less rigid perspective on life. We need to give the young generation a chance to affirm their original personalities,” said Abdulrahman.

The establishment of a proper system to attend to the struggling youth is long overdue and crucial as each second goes by, he added.