What is a Life Transition?
Life transitions are usually life changing events that cause us to re-examine our present sense of who we are. Although life transitions can happen at any age, many people will experience significant life transitions during mid-life or at retirement.
Examples of Life Transitions
Getting married
Pregnancy / Becoming a parent
Divorce or relational separation
Leaving parent’s home or moving to new home
Empty nest syndrome
Change in career or loss of career
Health changes / serious illness
Significant loss (person, pet, or anything important)
Retirement
If Life Transitions are normal, why do I feel so overwhelmed?
Transition means change. We are resistant to change. Most of us like predictability in our everyday lives. The unknown causes us fear and stress. We feel vulnerable. There can be a sense of grief or loss.
Are there any positives?
Changes, especially difficult changes, can promote personal growth. Dealing with a change successfully can leave a person stronger, more confident and better prepared for what comes next in life. Even unwanted or unexpected changes may produce beneficial outcomes.
You might gain new knowledge or develop new skills as the result of life transition. These changes might allow you to discover what’s important in your life and assist you in achieving greater self-awareness.
Coping with Change
Someone facing change may also experience depression, anxiety, changes in eating habits, trouble sleeping, or abuse of alcohol or drugs. If these symptoms persist or change disrupts normal coping mechanisms and makes it difficult or impossible for person to cope with new circumstances, a person may be diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder. Symptoms typically begin within 3 months of the stress or change. It’s important to seek immediate assistance if you are engaging in reckless / dangerous behaviors or having thoughts of suicide—call 911.
Therapy for Change
A therapist may incorporate a variety of techniques such as emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy or motivational interviewing. A therapist will assist in treating stress, anxiety and depression while exploring new coping strategies with the client.
How can I cope with Life Transitions?
Understand that while Life Transitions are difficult, they can promote positive outcomes
Accept that change is a normal part of life
Identify your values and life goals
Learn to identify and express your feelings
Expect to feel uncomfortable
Take care of yourself
Build a support system
Don’t hurry- focus on rewards
Acknowledge what’s been left behind
If you are struggling with a Life Transition or significant change in your life, you may benefit by engaging in therapy with a professional counselor. Together you can identify your feelings, process the potential changes and formulate goals in order to move forward in your life.