Crisis of Identity
Posted on October 15, 2025 by Vance Larson, One of Thousands of Relationship Coaches on Noomii.
We get lost. We question who we are. In this article, we explore 2 groups that I commonly work with regarding this very subject. I am here to help.
We all get lost from time to time. We all question who we are at times as well. But after working 40 years in mental health, you would be surprised at who {at least in my experience} struggled with their identity the most.
Having worked in the crisis field on and off over the past 4 decades, I was in a unique position to work with a lot of populations. And now that I am back in private practice, I have decided to spend a little more time helping these 2 groups make the proper adjustments. So, let’s take a look at who I am talking about.
First responders deal with the unthinkable on a daily basis. They see things that would break most. People look to them to do the right thing when it matters most. That is a lot of power to carry. When they retire, that power goes too. Thus, leaving many to question who they are. In many cases, it is a slow process. The initial euphoria of not moving at a thousand miles a minute can be intoxicating. But slowly the rush {which can be addicting} comes calling. But this time, there is nothing to rush to. Now comes the questioning of who am I?
On top of the crisis of identity, first responders are at a high risk of PTSD. Some studies suggest that 1 in 3 suffer from PTSD. Now we’re in the perfect storm. Questioning who you are, on top of what you’ve done, can make for some very dark nights. I have to admit that I worried myself when I first left crisis work. But thank God I have been meditating since I was a young teenager, thus leaving me a really solid foundation. I knew exactly who I was. But I did have concerns…
Sex workers. The world’s oldest profession. And while we still see it happening on street corners and in clubs, now there is a rising group of men and women who are engaging in sex work via websites. And I’ve noticed that it doesn’t matter how they are using their sexuality, there is a certain amount of power that comes with that as well. I watched a special the other night on this very subject. Some of these sex workers {especially via websites} are making hundreds of thousands a dollar a year, just by posting pictures. But there are some drawbacks.
First the internet is addicting for everyone, selling sex or not. The need to post is causing many to lose their identity. Highest prevalence among young people. And when the looks fade and the “Likes” dissipate, the crisis of identity hits. Add the loss of income and attention, you can see why some get lost.
While my practice is open to all who are looking to level up, or simply in need of support, when it comes to answering the question of Who am I? These two groups are at the top of the list. Having extensive experience helping both demographics, there is something very tangible and rewarding helping someone find their way back to themselves. And after 40 years, I do it very well.