Therapy for Navigating Big Life Changes in Georgetown, ON
We are often more comfortable when we have certainty or when we know what to expect in our life. We are often fearful of change, which pushes us out of our comfort zone. However, unpredictability and major life transitions are a normal and healthy part of living. They are best managed with confidence but can cause significant stress or anxiety in some individuals. While many individuals are able to adapt to these life events, others may feel that their life has been flipped upside down. Life transitions alter what’s familiar and force you to adjust to new ways of coping and living. You feel unprepared, anxious, and stressed. You may also be angry, depressed or in shock. You're not sure what to do next.
What are some Examples of Life Changes?
There are a variety of life transitions that we may consider positive or negative. They could have been pre-planned (such as attending a new school or job) or unexpected (such post-partum depression). They can be singular events or repeat over time. Transitions can also be traumatic (such as car accidents, death or divorce). The common thread is that you are required to make a change in your life to adjust to the life transition.
Some examples of life transitions include:
Getting married
Divorce or separation
Becoming a parent
Changing or losing your job
Falling ill
Losing a loved one
Moving to a new location
Retirement
Returning to school
If Life Changes are Normal, Why are They so Difficult to Get Through?
Life transitions can be difficult because they force you to move out of your comfort zone, often leaving you feeling vulnerable. Even if this change and life transition were intended or originally seen as a positive event, an adjustment period is still required. This can take a lot of effort, time, and patience.
Oftentimes, life transitions are difficult to cope with because they are unwanted or occur unexpectedly. Sudden and unexpected events can have a significant effect on our day-to-day life. If you are experiencing significant stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue or trouble sleeping as a result of a life transition, talking with a counsellor can help you work through your feelings and develop coping strategies.
How Long Will it Take for Me to Adjust?
You may be struggling with how long it is taking you to adjust to this change in your life. You are hard on yourself, wanting to move on and feel normal again. Coping with life transitions varies from person to person. It can take a few weeks, a few months, or perhaps even a year for you to adjust.
Try not to compare yourself to others who have gone through a similar event and appeared to have adjusted with greater ease. Be patient with yourself. Working with an experienced therapist can help you through this process with compassion and acceptance.
How can Couples Therapy Centre Help?
You may have family or friends you can turn to for support, but maybe you are having trouble confiding in them. You may feel like a burden or that they are tired of hearing you talk about your problems. Perhaps you like to keep your feelings private or are embarrassed about your difficulties coping.
A therapist can help you with this!
If you are feeling stuck or lost from this sudden change and are unsure of how to cope, Couples Therapy Centre has multiple experienced therapists who will be able to work with you. We can work together at your pace to explore your fears and anxieties in a safe space. We can help you learn how to cope with difficult emotions so your fears and anxieties will have less power over you. You may find that even perceived unwanted "negative" events can have a silver lining. For example, you will have an opportunity to examine what you want out of life, or discover your strengths. You will also be able to develop the skills and awareness to better prepare you for the next life transition ahead. As you can see, changes (especially challenging ones) have the capacity to contribute to your personal growth. Working with one of our therapists can help you feel more resilient, capable and self-confident.