Counseling Corner: Don't Let Change Keep You Down
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That's not surprising. Even when we're not totally happy with the status quo, it may seem safe and comfortable compared to the unknowns that transitions bring.
But learning to handle change is important in today's world. Change can happen to any of us at any time. It might be the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or job or financial changes brought on by today's economy.
A first step in handling change is accepting that while it may bring stress and anxiety, it doesn't always bring negative results. Expand your horizons. The end of a relationship may actually be an opportunity for someone new and more exciting to enter your life. The loss of a job may be the chance to head in a new, more rewarding career direction. Seeing change as a possible opportunity rather than a major loss will have you heading in a positive direction.
And you don't need to do it all alone. An important transition can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, or depressed. That's when friends or family members willing to listen in a safe, non-judgmental way can help. They may not have ready answers, but just talking things through can give you a new perspective and let you see situations differently.
It's also vital to take care of yourself when facing change. Eating healthy, exercising regularly and maintaining a normal schedule can all help reduce the stress of change. Don't look to drugs or alcohol as places to hide from reality.
Any major change requires time to think and adjust. While change can happen in seconds, accepting that change takes much longer. Give yourself that time. And while doing so, remember the positive, stable things still in your life. Make a list of family, friends, and things you enjoy, and you'll find that there's much that hasn't changed at all.
It's said that every time one door closes, another door opens. You can let change simply overwhelm you, or you can make the effort and take the time to see what new directions and new possibilities just might be waiting. Approach change as a positive experience and you just may find it is.
The Counseling Corner is provided as a public service by the American Counseling Association, the nation's largest organization of counseling professionals. Learn more about the counseling profession at www.counseling.org.
