By Lori Oberacker,
MS, LMHC
Are you struggling to cope with recent
changes in your life? Has the loss of a loved one left you feeling sad, lonely
or confused? Perhaps you’ve transitioned to a new role – getting married, new motherhood, blending
families. Are you dealing with relational conflicts, divorce, career changes,
financial stress, empty nesting, aging parents, grief or retirement? These significant life changes can all cause
distress, anxiety or depression. Changes and
transitions are a natural part of life. Sometimes changes are welcomed and
expected, or even exciting. Other times changes are unplanned, which can make
you feel anxious. No matter how it happens, changes and transitions can be
difficult. And for many, it can be hard to accept and cope with changes and
move through life’s transitions.
Why is change so difficult?
It’s normal to find change
difficult to manage. When you experience changes or transitions in life, you’re
letting go of what’s familiar and moving toward something new. Such moves can
be stressful, regardless of whether they are positive or negative, planned or
unexpected.
Stress
can affect you emotionally or physically. You might experience:
•
Muscle tension, body aches and
pains, and headaches
•
Disturbances in your normal eating
and sleeping patterns
•
Poor concentration, fatigue and
loss of energy
Managing these feelings and
physical discomforts can be difficult – but not impossible.
You can take many small steps to
cope with, and overcome, significant changes and transitions. You cannot always
control what happens, but you can begin to have more control over your
reactions to what happens, as well as your outlook on new changes and
transitions.
It is imperative to remember that
your emotional and mental well-being is just as important as your physical
health. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it’s a sign of
strength. If you are having a hard time coping with significant life changes
and transitions, it might be time to seek professional help.
Lori Oberacker is a licensed psychotherapist at the Community Christian
Counseling Center. She specializes in clients who are coping with significant life changes that cause depression
and anxiety. Call to schedule an appointment with Lori today.
Lori
Oberacker, MS, LMHC Clinician
Community
Christian Counseling Center
email: loberacker@CCCCpb.org
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