TRANSITIONS AND ADJUSTMENT
Below I have discussed symptoms of difficulty handling life’s transitions and adjustments. These symptoms are organized by the impact evident in a person’s behavior, thinking, emotions, and body experiences. You may notice some symptoms from each category. Some people present to therapy with only one of these categories as their predominant manifestation, but it continues to negatively impact their life. For example, clients have had medical practitioners rule out any physical diagnoses but they continue to experience nausea, intestinal distress, muscle soreness, and difficulty sleeping after a big life change. Sometimes the life change would otherwise be considered “happy” but it is a significantly new and different. These clients often find therapy targeting adapting to change improves their symptoms—even the physical distress. If you read these descriptions and are still uncertain about your own experience, feel free to contact me for a consultation.
MIND
During big changes it can be difficult for our mind to stay calm and focused. You may experience racing thoughts about how to adjust to the new situation. You may have thoughts you can’t handle the change or you don’t know where to start. During transition we can forget important things and struggle to concentrate. Sometimes we ruminate-when a set of thoughts keep coming up again and again, causing us to dwell on them. Some people have intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are ideas or images that come to mind that are typically unwanted. Other times it is tough to think clearly and we draw a blank. Notice how your thinking may shift in the wake of big transitions.
BODY
Major life changes can be destabilizing. Becoming a caregiver, moving, having children, being diagnosed with a medical condition, and many other events can drastically impact our bodies. You may notice the body symptoms of both anxiety and/or depression such as increased heart rate, dizziness, or sweating You may notice body aches and soreness, such as headaches and muscle aches. Stomach aches and intestinal distress are common during times of transition. Some people notice an increase in anxious energy, like they are constantly, “on the go” and feeling restless.
BEHAVIOR
Sometimes people find it difficult to create and maintain an effective schedule for their new situation. People struggle to organize their surroundings, find motivation, and do necessary activities such as pay the bills or get to work on time— or at all. Some report that they are not behaving like themselves anymore. You may notice your performance suffering at work, at home, and other areas. Behaviors might feel somewhat impulsive, or poorly planned. You may notice shifts in your sleeping and eating patterns. Some people report crying frequently. We may withdraw from friends and family who support us socially. Notice how your behavior changes in response to big life transitions.
EMOTION
Changes in life, both positive and negative, can shift our emotional experience in many ways. You may feel completely overwhelmed, excited, and/or irritable. People often report feeling stressed, anxious, jittery, or panicked. If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition you may experience body betrayal, a feeling that your body has betrayed, hurt, or let you down. This may create anger, sadness, or grief over the loss of full health. Some people experience sadness and do not enjoy the things you used to enjoy. Some people experience insecurity, guilt, and the sense that they aren’t “doing enough”.