We are in a constant state of growing and changing. Some of the changes have positive outcomes for us, some negative. Some changes we look forward to, others we may be apprehensive about.
Many people find it difficult to adjust to altered situations.
Who am I now? … How will I cope? …Why did life do this to me? … Will I ever be happy again?
The transition from leading a somewhat carefree life as a school student to entering the adult world is one of the first significant transitions that we face in life. The prospect of attending university or moving into the work force is exciting but the decision about choosing the right educational or vocational course or direction can be extremely stressful.
As a result many adolescents can experience anxiety and in some cases, depression.
The transformation from leading a somewhat carefree life as a school student to entering the adult world is one of the first significant transitions that we face in life. The prospect of attending university or moving into the work force is exciting but the decision about choosing the right educational or vocational course or direction can be extremely stressful.
As a result many adolescents can experience anxiety and in some cases, depression.
Marriage is a major step and brings new responsibilities which many feel unprepared for. As the first blush of romance wanes, the couple needs to make decisions about how they are going to live together, from handling finances, day to day decisions regarding household responsibilities, plans for their future which may or may not include having children.
For many this is the first time in their lives they have had to make important and life-changing decisions – decisions that also include considering somebody else. Communication and relationship skills are really tested now.
Marriage is a major step and brings new responsibilities which many feel unprepared for. As the first blush of romance wanes, the couple needs to make decisions about how they are going to live together, from handling finances, day to day decisions regarding household responsibilities, plans for their future which may or may not include having children.
For many this is the first time in their lives they have had to make important and life-changing decisions – decisions that also include considering somebody else. Communication and relationship skills are really tested now.
The decision to have children is another important step taken in life, whether in a relationship or alone. The established routine of life completely goes haywire with the arrival of a baby.
Women may face depression before or after having a baby.
For men, the assuming of new responsibilities – usually to be the primary breadwinner – is a tough one and is often unacknowledged, which can also lead to depression.
For couples who reverse the usual roles, where the father becomes the stay-at-home dad, this can bring other stresses and anxieties.
The decision to have children is another important step taken in life, whether in a relationship or alone. The established routine of life completely goes haywire with the arrival of a baby.
Women may face depression before or after having a baby.
For men, the assuming of new responsibilities – usually to be the primary breadwinner – is a tough one and is often unacknowledged, which can also lead to depression.
For couples who reverse the usual role, where the father becomes the stay-at home-dad, it can brings other stresses and anxieties.
While this is usually an exciting time for the children, many parents experience a mix of emotions and can take time in adjusting to the changed circumstances.
For many parents their relationship is again put to the test as their primary role of active parenting ends and they are once again together as a couple to chart a new course. Relationship issues and problems that may have been shelved or ignored come to the fore.
While this is usually an exciting time for the children, many parents experience a mix of emotions and can take time in adjusting to the changed circumstances.
For many parents their relationship is again put to the test as their primary role of active parenting ends and they are once again together as a couple to chart a new course. Relationship issues and problems that may have been shelved or ignored come to the fore.
The beginning of a new relationship heralds joy and hope, but adjusting to the changes in life that separation or divorce brings is difficult for most people.
There is worry about becoming single again and what the future will look like alone. The decision itself may be painful and followed by a legal battle.
The beginning of a new relationship heralds joy and hope, but adjusting to the changes in life that separation or divorce brings is difficult for most people.
There is worry about becoming single again and what the future will look like alone. The decision itself may be painful and followed by a legal battle.
Another significant life transition point … People work all their lives and try to plan for their financial security but often fail to consider the psychological and emotional impact.
Where to find a sense of purpose and meaning in their life now that work is no longer there to provide this?
Another significant life transition point … People work all their lives and try to plan for their financial security but often fail to consider the psychological and emotional impact.
Where to find a sense of purpose and meaning in their life now that work is no longer there to provide this?
The death of a significant person in your life; partner, parent or child and adjusting to life without them.
And death isn’t the only cause of grief and loss.
There are the grief and feelings of loss felt from a divorce or living with pain or a chronic illness.
You may even feel a loss from not achieving all that you had hoped for in your life.
Or moving from one country to another and leaving family and friends behind.
Retirement and the loss of meaning and purpose in life.
These types of events could leave you feeling a loss of purpose and not knowing where your life will go from there.
The death of a significant person in your life; partner, parent or child and adjusting to life without them.
And death isn’t the only cause of grief and loss.
There are the grief and feelings of loss felt from a divorce or living with pain or a chronic illness.
You may even feel a loss from not achieving all that you had hoped for in your life.
Or moving from one country to another and leaving family and friends behind.
Retirement and the loss of meaning and purpose in life.
These types of events could leave you feeling a loss of purpose and not knowing where your life will go from there.
First of all, counselling and therapy will help you understand and start to come to terms with the sometimes dramatic changes in your life circumstances that inevitably follow a significant life transition.
Many of these changes are not anticipated and occur without warning, such as an accident, death, divorce or illness. Even the events that are planned for, such as marriage, having a baby or retiring, also bring a level of stress and anxiety.
How these events are viewed – as being either positive or negative – will impact the degree of stress, anxiety or depression you might experience.
Therapy will assist you to navigate events as you are called on to make changes. This often required a different response than you might have made before. I will help you learn new ways of coping to suit your situation.