“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
- Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

The beauty of being human is that at any given time our lives are composed of a vast array of experiences ranging from cultural, experiential, vocational, artistic, and many more combinations that make us unique. Every single one of us has the capacity to pick and choose what aspects of ourselves we reveal or hide from those around us. As we learn to navigate different spaces, some of us may learn to adapt or curate who we are and how we present ourselves. We learn how to wear many masks in order to fit in at the expense of our true selves. In doing so, we are actively choosing to mute or disregard certain parts of us that are integral for our well-being and mental health. With time, the very tools developed to keep us safe become an all too familiar routine that further separates us from our ability to become attuned with our emotions, values, beliefs, and ability to let others truly see us.

From a mental health perspective, putting a damper on who we are as individuals could lead to the development of dissatisfaction, frustration, resentment, and potentially mental health-related difficulties if left unaddressed. Therefore, figuring out a way to represent ourselves in a way that honors our values and needs is an important step towards authenticity and vulnerability. We owe it to ourselves to shine our light as bright and true as possible so that we may lead lives that are fulfilling and congruent with our wants and needs. Regardless of where you are in your journey to get in touch with your authentic self, the following questions could help as tools for self-reflection:

What does it mean to me to be authentic?

How does wearing different masks affect me?
What are some ways in which I could be more authentic with myself and others?
What are some values and beliefs that I align myself with?
Think back to a time when you felt most authentic, what was significant about the experience, what did you notice in yourself? How did you interact with others?

No matter what seeking authenticity may look like for you, just remember that growth is not linear; change, vulnerability, and honoring your true self may be a lifelong journey but is well-earned for those who are daring enough to sit with uncomfortable questions.

Authenticity and Its Relationship to Mental Health