February 3, 2021

Life Transitions

Life transitions are moments of significant change in our lives. Transitions may occur as a result of a significant life event marking a new beginning, either positive or negative. Human beings often struggle with change because we are creatures of habit, do not like uncertainty, or do not want to take on new roles; therefore, these life adjustments can be distressing.

Transitions may be planned (anticipated transitions) or unplanned (unanticipated transitions). There are also non-event transitions which occur when an anticipated event does not occur, for instance planning for children but not being able to have children.

Below are different types of life transitions:

  • Developmental transitions brought on by aging, for instance, birth to early childhood, puberty, gender identity, entering adulthood, midlife, old age, and death.
  • Career transitions such as starting a new job or new career, changing jobs, job promotions, losing jobs or anticipating the loss of a job and retirement, selecting a career, and going to university or leaving university.
  • Relationship transitions like losing friends, sexuality identification, getting into romantic relationships, marriage, separation, divorce, becoming a parent, and death of a loved one.
  • Health transitions brought on by illness or accidents. For instance, being diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness, getting into a significant accident, experiencing major surgery, managing mental health conditions, and going into remission after a long illness.
  • Environmental and social transitions occasioned by changes in your environment like moving to a new city or country or moving out of your parent’s home, parents experiencing the empty nest after their children move out, experiencing cultural changes or biases, changing your social circle, experiencing lifestyle changes.

Transitions may cause one to evaluate their life while adapting to the changes outside of their control. Major life changes can bring about emotional pain and leave one feeling helpless, with anxiety or depression, socially isolated, or engaging in risky and self-destructive behavior. In other cases, the individual may notice sleep and health issues like insomnia, constant unexplained headaches and stomach aches, issues with concentration, and negative thinking. Without proper management, these transitions may negatively impact social relationships and work performance. They may also lead to a reduced quality of life and chronic stress.

To get a better handle on the life transitions, it is important to embrace the change, keep routines, and practice healthy habits for wellbeing.

At Wazo Therapy, we recognize that transitions can be difficult and can negatively affect a person’s overall health and well-being. Therefore, we empower a person to embrace the transition, build healthy coping, become aware of limiting beliefs, and process overwhelming emotions. The individual also develops resilience and the necessary coping mechanisms to endure the current and future life changes.

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If you are going through a transition or know someone who is struggling with one, and you would like support to reflect and navigate through it, reach out to us to discuss a personalized therapy plan.

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