Going through any kind of change can be difficult. While life changes are inevitable and often necessary, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to cope with them. It’s normal and common to feel distressed when faced with a change. The amount of stress you feel in response to the transition may correlate with how significant the change is. For example, some common examples of major life changes are: moving, getting married, starting a new job, ending a relationship, having a baby, and going back to school. 

There are many ways to cope with a life transition. Here are some ideas:

1. Show yourself kindness. Everyone responds differently to stressors and adjustments, and there is no one “right” way to feel. Remind yourself that what you are feeling is valid, and that what you are experiencing is normal.

2. Remember that even positive change can cause stress. Just because the change is welcome doesn’t mean it won’t produce a stress response. Stress is your body’s natural way of reacting, and even a good change can produce this response.

3. Maintain your regular routines. Keeping some consistency in your routines can offer a sense of stability in an otherwise disorienting time. When possible, try to maintain some of your prior activities to help ground and center you.

4. Seek support from others. Going through a life change is a shared human experience. See if you can lean on trusted people in your life to help you cope during the transition. It’s a sign of strength to ask for support, and chances are that the close people in your life will be happy to be there for you. You may also consider reaching out to a mental health professional to help you cope. 

This blog post was written by Taryn O’Neil, LPC. To learn more about coping with life transitions, reach out to one of our licensed counselors today.