Life Transitions
Change is tough, and life transitions – such as moving to a new area, transitioning into or out of a relationship, adjusting to parenting for the first time, or changing careers – can be difficult.
It’s normal to feel a certain amount of stress during these types of transitions. You are adjusting mentally and physically to a new normal, which can be uncomfortable or unsettling.
However, sometimes transitions can get in the way of a healthy lifestyle and feelings that accompany them can become serious.
Mental Health & Life Transitions
“Life transitions” is not a mental health diagnosis in and of itself, but problems can arise while adjusting to changes that can lead to diagnosis, including:
- Major depressive disorder
- General anxiety disorder
- Substance abuse disorder
Examples of Life Transitions
There are many life transitions that may result in the diagnosis of a mental health disorder. Some scenarios include:
- A new relationship/marriage or divorce
- The birth of a child
- Financial struggles
- Illness or a death of a family member
- Moving
- Losing a job
Signs of Trouble Adjusting
Difficulties adjusting to a life transition may cause symptoms similar to those during other stressful experiences.
These may include:
- Insomnia
- Low energy
- Low moods
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Frequent colds and infections
- Significant decrease of sex drive
- Either loss of appetite, or increased appetite
- Feeling generally overwhelmed
- More anxiety than usual
- Tendency to socially isolate one’s self
- Irritability
Periods of acute stress—like significant lifestyle changes—can also exacerbate mental health problems among individuals with psychiatric disorders like anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
