Life transitions can induce all types of feelings, from ecstasy or excitement, all the way to dread or confusion. Transitional periods in your life, such as a marriage, having a child, switching jobs, retirement, loss of a loved one or moving across the country can be difficult to navigate on your own; and therefore are times when people have a tendency to feel alone. Research indicates that your average, typical coping skills can help assist with less than typical transitions. Here are a few pointers to help you out along the way.
1. Find a support system. In these times of instability, a strong support system can help you to find your footing more quickly. Whether it is your therapist, a close friend or friends, family, a support group, or an online community, it may be beneficial to have people out there who know and understand what you are going through.
2. Acknowledge that fear is a completely normal reaction to change. Let me say that again: fear is a totally normal reaction to change! Having a healthy level of fear prevents us from doing things that may be irrational, or put us in danger.
3. If possible, prepare for the transition. Preparation and planning are anxiety and fear’s nemesis. If you can anticipate your feelings and behaviors ahead of time, it will be easier to process them when they occur. Of course, not all transitions allow for time to prepare. Situations such as the sudden passing of a loved one, or a tornado, can catch you off guard, therefore not allowing much time for preparation. Alternately, life changes such as retirement and marriage can allow for ample time to plan, prep, and adapt.
4. Learn from your experiences. Call to mind some transitions you have undergone in the past. How did you approach them? Did you survive? Are you stronger because of it? A lot can be gleaned from how you have dealt with challenges in the past. Whether your past experiences were positive or negative, traumatic or joyous, you learned something from these experiences that you can use moving forward.
5. Finally, come to terms with the fact that change is an inevitable part of life. Instead of dreading or fearing change, inverting your perspective and looking at change as something new and exciting can help create a positive attitude towards change. (Ever heard of ‘fake it ‘til you make it?).
And of course, if you can’t figure it out on your own, there are professionals (like us) to help guide you. You are still strong and valuable if you ask for help.
References:
Brenner, A. (2017, June 28). 7 Key Points to Help You Transition Through Change. Retrieved from
Fries, A. (2018, September 24). How to Survive Life’s Transitions. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/found-in-
transition/201809/how-survive-life-s-transitions
Whitbourne, S. K. (2017, March 14). 10 Ways to Make It Through Your Life’s Transitions. Retrieved from