Life Transitions
We all experience transitions in our lives. Many of these transitions are intentional and bring joy. However, any major change in life can be hard to navigate and can feel overwhelming.
Transitions are difficult because as humans we unconsciously or consciously resist change. It seems like we are programmed to resist anything new or unknown, most likely a result of our basic self-preservation instinct. Even good or welcomed changes can cause us to feel stressed and uneasy. On some level, we are simply not comfortable with the unknown.
Examples of Life Transitions:
- Career transition or job loss
- Beginning school/college/graduate school
- Joining the world of work
- Retirement
- Emerging adulthood
- Moving the household
- Birth of a child
- Empty Nest
- Change in relationship status/Marriage/Divorce
- Grief & Loss
How can you tell that you are struggling with change?
- You are quick to react with anger, agitation, or sadness to day-to-day events
- You feel overwhelmed
- You feel sad and are not sure why
- Your relationships are suffering
- You have low energy
- You experience an increase/decrease in appetite
- You have sleep issues
- You have anxious and/or obsessive thinking
- You feel fatigued or physically unwell
Change is inevitable. But, transition is not easy. When you are unable to work through a transition, and it starts to affect your daily life — causing problems in your relationships, at work or it begins to affect you emotionally or physically — it is time to get outside help.
Although we cannot stop change from happening, we can learn how best to accept and manage it. Therapy can be helpful in teaching the skills necessary to regulate the discomfort that stems from a significant life transition. Sometimes a supportive ear and gentle guidance can help through the transitional period. Whether it is a positive change or one that causes monumental grief, the process is the same. We must first learn to let go of what was, accept the change or new situation and then look at what can be. Counseling can teach us how to do this is a safe and supportive environment.
Change, regardless of whether it is desirable or undesirable, can be challenging. With change, there is inevitable loss. Therapy can provide support to help manage the conflicting thoughts and feelings that are triggered by a life transition.