It’s rarely easy to navigate those pivotal moments in life when we encounter a major change. These transitions come in many forms (both externally and internally) and at many different points in our lives. Examples of significant transitions can include: entering adulthood, going away to college, starting a new job, getting married, getting divorced, the passing of a loved one, the birth of a child, and countless others. Each change we face presents its own unique challenges which can often be overwhelming; and with each transition comes an internal shift we all must tackle.

Helping people to work through life’s transitional periods is one of our passions, because these moments, and particularly how they are handled, can often be character-defining for a person and their sense of self.

Though most generally agree that life transitions are difficult, some find them to be more challenging than others. How can we tell if we are experiencing the “typical” amount of difficulty one can expect from a given life change versus an “excessive” amount? It comes down to the impact the change has on our daily functioning and the symptoms that emerged DIRECTLY from the change itself.

 

Signs that may indicate clinically significant difficulty coping with a major life change:

PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACT:

Insomnia, difficulty falling or staying asleep

Dramatic changes in appetite (loss or gain)

Lack of physical self-care (poor diet, lack of exercise, poor hygiene)

Restlessness

 

MOOD IMPACT:

Irritability, heightened emotional reactivity

Depressed mood

Crying spells

Low motivation

Isolation from friends/family

Negative self-talk

 

ANXIETY IMPACT:

Avoidance of dealing with the change or responsibilities

Difficulty concentrating

Chronic worry

Racing thoughts

Chronic dread

Self-doubt

This list constitutes the most common symptoms a person might experience resulting from a major life change, however there can be many more. If you or someone you know are struggling with one or more of these symptoms, it can be beneficial to contact us in order to discuss whether or not psychotherapy can help.

Our goal through treatment is to assist those struggling to adjust to major life changes to develop the tools, the confidence, and the emotional resilience required to successfully negotiate these transitions. We believe that no matter the nature of the change, every transition represents a potential moment of growth. By learning to confront the mental and emotional obstacles that inhibit change, we address our internal barriers which perpetuate dysfunctional patterns of thought and behavior.

If you would like to learn more about treatment for this, or any other mental health issue we address, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our clinical team for free consultation.