Life transitions examples
Life transitions will look different for everyone and are unique to an individual's personal experience. What may appear to be a significant change to one person may not be for another. Life transitions might be pleasant, unpleasant, planned, or unplanned, but they always have an emotional impact. A few examples of life transitions that can impact mental health include:
- Changes in employment
- Health-related issues
- Developmental shifts (e.g., menopause in women)
- Accidents that leave an individual disabled
- Relationship changes
- Childbirth
- Breakups/divorce
- Blending of families
- Death of a loved one
- Moving cities or schools
- Social and political shifts
Therapy for life transitions
The purpose of therapy for life transitions is to assist people in developing healthy coping mechanisms that equip them with the skills they need to take on challenging life changes.
Counselors typically employ the strategies and goals listed below to help clients feel prepared for current and future life transitions. These tactics can help to mitigate the initial shock of change while also providing hope for the future.
- Recognize that change is a necessary and predictable aspect of life
- Keep a positive attitude and understand that change can be good
- Recognize and express emotions
- Reframe thinking
- Stress reduction and management
- Have realistic expectations
- Stay connected to friends and family who support and love you
- Recognize the benefits of overcoming adversity
Other strategies to cope with change
As mentioned, change can induce stress, which can have an impact on one's day-to-day existence. Although persistent stress symptoms can improve significantly with therapy, an individual may also be able to prevent some of these symptoms by:
- Taking care of one's physical health. You may find it easier to cope with changes if you are sleeping well, exercising, and eating nutritious foods on a regular basis.
- Taking some time to unwind. When you balance work and play, stress is easier to manage.
- Restricting change. It may be beneficial to avoid making too many changes at once. In general, adjusting to even just one major change takes time, and making too many at once, even if they're smaller ones, doesn't allow for appropriate adjustment time, resulting in stress.
- Talking to a trusted friend or family member about the challenges you're having adjusting. They may be able to assist in the adjustment to the change but keep in mind trained professionals are best equipped to help you overcome those challenges.
Learn more about therapy for life transitions in Chicago
It takes time to adjust to what life throws at you, but you can get through it. Therapy for life transitions can be extremely beneficial during times of transition.
Contact Wellington Counseling Group today to learn more about therapy for life transitions in Chicago.