Impermanence! Change is constant, unavoidable, and part of life. Most people have experienced a significant change in their lives. They can be positive like moving for an incredible promotion or the birth of a grandchild. Or, they can be negative, like the sudden death of a loved one, or an unpredictable illness that changes the course of our life. Aging is the most common transition that affects everyone. Many people can transition gracefully, but more people feel like their world has been turned upside down. It is during these times that they may go through stages of emotional discomfort, mourning, or fear, leaving them feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and even depressed. Engaging in therapy to learn healthy coping mechanisms for transitions can be extremely beneficial for anyone’s mental health and overall well-being.
Examples of Life Transitions:
Life transitions can vary based on many factors and are personal to the individual’s experience. What may seem like a big transition to one person may not feel that way to someone else. These transitions can be positive, negative, planned, or unexpected and still have a strong effect emotionally. Below are a few examples of common life transitions that can affect one’s mental health.
- Job changes
- Health problems
- Disabling accidents/tragedy
- Marriage
- Birth
- Divorce/Breakups
- Death
- Moving
- Travel
- Social/ Political changes
Healthy Transitions with Therapy
The goal of life transition counseling is to help individuals get through these emotionally taxing life changes using healthy coping mechanisms. Below are a few tactics and goals I commonly use to help people feel prepared for future transitions in their lives. These strategies can help lighten the initial shock of the change while also allowing hope for the future.
- Accept change is a part of life
- Remain positive — Change doesn’t have to be bad
- Identify and express feelings
- Reframe thoughts
- Stress management
- Have realistic expectations
- Maintain a healthy routine
- Engage in social interaction and support
- Appreciate the benefits of change
It takes time to adjust to what life brings, but these strategies will help during a period of transition. If you are currently struggling to cope with life transitions and would like some guidance, it may be useful to connect with a therapist. To learn more about life transitions counseling, request a free, initial consultation.