Life Transitions

A life transition is a psychological term used to describe the significant changes that happen in someone’s life as they mature. Some transitions are common experiences while others are specific to just a few. What they all have in common is that they provide an opportunity for growth and learning about oneself. The team at Collaborative Behavioral Health, with offices in Skokie, Illinois, has providers trained in life transition guidance, helping you get the most from the situation. Call one of the office or schedule an appointment online.

What is a life transition?

A life transition is a significant event in someone’s life that they’ve never gone through before, even if it’s a commonplace occurrence everyone experiences at some point. Some transitions are planned and deliberate while others are sudden and unwanted. Life transitions place people under increased stress, regardless of whether the change that comes from it is positive or negative, and they have to find a way of managing and adapting to it.

While life transitions are different for everyone, there are some life events the majority of people go through at some point. These include:

Moving out of your parents’ house
Self-discovery
Marriage
Having a family
Death of a loved one
Finding a sense of purpose

Never compare your life transitions to someone else’s. Everyone’s journey to growth is different. Work with a professional at Collaborative Behavioral Health to understand the lessons you can take from your personal challenges.

What are the stages of a life transition?

Regardless of the type of life transition, there are generally accepted stages everyone goes through as part of their growth and development.

Negativity

A range of negative feelings around the transition, such as anxiety or confusion, self-doubt, numbness, or anger.

Low self-esteem

A doubt that they’re “good enough” to rise to the challenges the transition presents them.

Acceptance

Understanding change is inevitable and accepting they need to let go of the past and face the future.

Increased self-esteem

A renewed self-confidence that they’re able to tackle the new future.

Optimism

A new perspective on the future and feelings of excitement and readiness to embrace the change.

How long someone stays in each stage varies from person to person. You can make the process a learning curve by working with a coach trained in life transitions.

How do you manage a life transition?

A life transition is often inevitable, but you can manage the transition process by using positive self-talk, including:

Remembering past success
Leaning on a support network
Appreciating how change encourages growth
Actively preparing for change
Focusing on the benefits of change
Releasing the need to control
Recognizing it’s OK to feel this way
Repositioning change as a challenge, not a threat

If you’re struggling with a life transition, you’re not alone. Every day, millions of people go through the same feelings you’re having. With support from your provider at Collaborative Behavioral Health, you can learn how to tackle each monumental change with strength and a positive attitude. Call the office or use online booking to schedule a consultation today.