Trouble Adjusting to Changes

“When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.” Viktor E. Frankl

Change is a normal part of life.  We typically adjust, adapt, and grow.

However, there are changes that are difficult to cope with or adjust to alone. It’s common to feel stuck.

For some of us, change can be difficult and painful, especially if we’ve had a problematic and adverse history with change.

This has nothing to do with being strong or weak.  It typically has more to do with the complexity of  the circumstance, timing, and resources and support available when change occur.

Whether you are experiencing a job loss, changes in roles and responsibilities, changes in schedule and routine, recent separation or relocating, seeking and receiving support helps.

A support system can consist of friends and family and communities.  A common question is when is it time to seek formal support?

The timing varies from person to person and it’s unique to every individual.

However, if you are noticing changes such as:

• constant and persistent feelings of sadness, depression, worry, or anxiety
• decreased or increase in appetite, energy, motivation, or sleep
• trouble concentrating, focusing or making decisions
• feeling on edge, irritable or impulsive
• isolating, withdrawing, avoiding or pushing others away
• constant and persistent negative thoughts about yourself or others
• thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• self-harming behaviors
• numbing by relying on substances or alcohol

If any of these signs describe you, we recommend seeking professional support.

These are typically symptoms and signs that we are struggling to cope and adjust with a situation, experience or circumstance.

Mental health counseling can help.

With the support of a mental health counselor, you can safely explore different thoughts, feelings and behaviors associated with current changes in life.

It’s also a place to learn new perspectives, increase coping skills, and improve overall wellbeing.

When our mind is responding differently and we no longer feel like ourselves, it’s typically a sign that our body is talking to us and asking for help.

There are so many counseling approaches and modalities that can support adjusting to difficult changes in life such as:

• client centered techniques
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• motivational interviewing
• eye movement desensitization reprocessing
• cognitive reprocessing therapy
• trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy
• play therapy (for children, teens and families)
• hypnosis and so many more.

The appropriateness varies and depend on your goals, needs and recommendations by your provider.  These decisions are developed and agreed together with your provider.

If this feels right.  Please call us for more information.