Life is full of transitions. Going to college, moving to a new city, finding a job, marrying your forever partner, having children, and retiring are just some of the major milestones one can expect within their lifetime.
And while many of these transitions are exciting, they can also trigger emotional upheaval. Marriage is about gaining a new family while also creating a new identity for yourself. Retirement is about putting your career aside and finding fulfillment outside of a paycheck.
Keep reading to learn the mental health impact of major life transitions as well as tips and tricks for taking the reins of life.
How Life Transitions Impact Mental Health
Life has its fair share of challenges. Even the happiest moments of life — celebrating a new job or becoming a parent — can be difficult. Transitions are any significant shift or change in a person’s life. These transitions can be positive, negative, or a combination of the two. Even the most challenging transitions, such as job loss or breakups, can present opportunities for personal growth and development.
Here are a few reasons why life transitions can impact mental health.
Stress, Anxiety, and Overwhelm
Certain transitions can feel like the world is crumbling upon you. A major health event of a loved one can spark fear and overwhelm. A close friend passing away in an unexpected accident can leave you feeling alone and vulnerable. Unemployment can trigger feelings of worry and distress.
These transitions can all create stress within the body. You may feel like you can’t breathe as well, as if a rock is sitting on your chest. Or you may isolate yourself from family and loved ones in hopes of trying to process your feelings alone. Stress can also wreak havoc on the body, leading to loss of appetite and insomnia.
Recognizing these feelings and processing them will look different for everyone. Those with a strong support system may be able to talk about how they’re currently feeling and share the burden of their thoughts with others. Some may need to seek professional help, such as inpatient treatment for substance abuse or therapy from a certified expert. No matter what help looks like, know that there is no shame in receiving it. Experts are there to help you cope and have the tools to help you get back up on your own two feet.
Depression
For any transitions that involve loss, it’s normal for individuals to encounter bouts of depression. A loved one’s passing can leave someone grieving for what was once. An unexpected career switch can make someone feel as if they aren’t competent enough for their dream job. Anything sudden, major, or experiencing a shift in identity can trigger depression.
Depression comes with varying symptoms and progression. Normal or mild depression is considered to be temporary and can be tied specifically to life events. However, if someone is already experiencing depression, any of these transitions can lead to clinical depression or major depressive disorder. This type of depression is known to cause more persistent symptoms and last for several weeks. Seeking help from a licensed therapist or medical professional for either of these types of depression is crucial for long-term wellness.
Adjustment Disorders
As the name implies, adjustment disorders are any emotional or behavioral symptoms that arise due to a life adjustment. These disorders can cause sadness, anxiety, and changes in behavior. They may follow immediately after a life transition or develop within a few months of encountering one. For example, a diagnosis of a major illness is an identifiable stressor that can conjure up an adjustment disorder.
Adjustment disorders are distinguished from other mental health conditions by the length of time, usually resolving within six months of the initial stressor. Symptoms tend to be less severe than other disorders, such as major depressive disorder or PTSD. Regardless, seeking professional help can assist someone in learning how to best manage their feelings and find the light at the end of the tunnel.
What Factors Can Influence the Impact of Major Life Transitions
Everyone goes through life differently. Marriage can be purely celebratory for some, while others may grieve their loss of singlehood. Different factors can influence how someone experiences a major life transition. Some transitions, for instance, are coherently labeled as “positive’ or “negative.” Achieving a personal goal, such as graduating from college or publishing a book, is typically seen as positive, while others, such as the loss of a loved one or a layoff, are seen as negative.
However, not all of life’s transitions are that black and white. A newborn comes into the family with happiness, but it can also lead to postpartum depression. Moving to a new home can be exciting, but also spark feelings of loss of the prior community and home. How the transition is perceived can influence its impact on one’s mental health.
Another factor is the suddenness of the transition. A layoff is often unexpected, causing immediate grief and overwhelm. While preparing to marry your best friend is a long-term plan, it gives someone time to process the loss of their life before marriage.
Social support is another factor to consider. Those who have a strong, tight-knit circle of friends and family members to lean on can share their burden and grieve together. For those who feel isolated or alone, an unexpected job loss can feel incredibly stressful. New moms may also feel overwhelmed during the initial few months.
If you or a loved one is struggling and feels like they have no one to talk to, consider joining pre-existing social groups. A new parent group can offer supportive advice and foster a sense of community. Group therapy is also an option for those who want to share their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. The key to navigating any of life’s transitions is not to do it alone. Help and support are available to guide you through any challenges you face.
