Life Transitions

Life Transitions

 

Transitions are inevitable – The only constant in life is change. Every person can expect to go through multiple significant changes throughout their lives. When we experience changes in our lives, also known as transitions, adjusting can be stressful and challenging, even if the shifts are positive.

We can be affected by both negative and positive life changes. You might feel uncertain or lost if you are going through a significant life change. You may have found comfort and stability in your old routine, but now you are trying to figure out your new role.  It is normal and healthy to experience some stress and anxiety when going through a life transition. However, it can feel uncomfortable and unsettling for our bodies and minds to adapt to a new lifestyle.

Adjusting to Positive Life Changes

While marriage, birth, or graduation are all positive events, they can also be associated with their own set of unique stressors. Generally, positive life changes can register in the brain the same way as negative life changes because they challenge us to do something new or take on a new role. It can bring about feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. 

Examples of positive life changes include (but are not limited to):

  • Graduating college

  • Entering the workforce

  • Making a big move

  • Buying a home

  • Getting married

  • Becoming a parent

  • Changing careers by choice

  • Becoming a grandparent

  • Retirement

Adjusting to Negative Life Changes

Divorce, losing a job, and losing a loved one are some examples of significant life changes that can be considered negative. Negative life changes can cause considerable stress and, if not adequately managed, may cause mental health concerns.

Examples of negative life changes include (but are not limited to):

  • Loss of your role

  • Breakups

  • Divorce

  • Significant loss (losing a person, pet, job, or anything you consider important)

  • Serious illness or disability of self or a loved one

 

Therapy and Adjusting to Change

No matter what kind of change you are going through, learning to adapt can profoundly impact your personal growth. It also encourages the acquisition of knowledge and new skills. If a person has difficulties adapting, they may begin seeing changes in their physical or mental health.

At MindShift Psychotherapy treatments consist of evidence-based approaches such as Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, life transitions Emotionally-focused Therapy, and Existential-humanist Therapy.