How life transitions may affect you
Signs and symptoms of a life transition can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the change. Here are some common indicators:
Increased stress or anxiety. Feeling unusually worried or anxious about the change and how it will impact your life.
Mood swings. Experiencing sudden mood changes, from feeling elated one moment to feeling down or irritable the next.
Difficulty sleeping. Struggling with insomnia or having disrupted sleep patterns due to the stress of the transition.
Changes in appetite. Noticeable changes in eating habits, such as loss of appetite or emotional eating.
Feeling overwhelmed. A sense of being overwhelmed by the new responsibilities or adjustments required by the transition.
Social withdrawal. Avoiding social interactions or withdrawing from friends and family.
Loss of focus or motivation. Difficulty concentrating, feeling unmotivated, or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
Physical symptoms. Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue might be linked to the stress of the transition.
Increased substance use. Using alcohol, drugs, or other substances more than usual to cope with the stress or emotions related to the change.
Difficulty adjusting: Struggling to adapt to the new situation or finding it hard to establish new routines.
It’s super normal to feel these things during a big life change, but if they’re on the extreme side or don’t seem to go away, it might be worth talking to a professional to help you pull through more easily.
Going through major changes in your life can be a wild ride. You may feel stressed, tired, and emotional. In the beginning, it would make you feel overwhelmed and it takes some time to adjust. But in some cases, transitions are too much to handle that they affect the way you function every single day.
The transition could be losing a loved one, getting terminated from a job, or dealing with an illness or an injury. Moreover, moving out of home, entering college, or landing your first job could also make you feel a little more intimidated than usual.
About life transition
A life transition is any big change that needs some getting used to. It can also be something minor or something you already saw coming but are unprepared to deal with it. The idea is that when the transition tends to create a significant impact on your feelings and change the way you manage things, then it could be a problem for you.
Triggers and causes of life transition
Life transitions can come from various types of sources. Here’s a quick look at what might set them off:
Major life events: Big moments like graduating, starting a new job, getting married, or having a baby.
Relocation: Moving to a new city or home can cause a shift in routine and social circles.
Career changes: Getting a promotion, changing jobs, or retiring can prompt a shift in daily life and identity.
Health issues: Dealing with a serious illness, injury, or chronic condition can lead to major lifestyle changes.
Personal loss: The death of a loved one or the end of a relationship can trigger a significant life transition.
Financial changes: Sudden financial shifts, whether a windfall or loss, can create a need for adjustments in lifestyle and planning.
Developmental milestones: Transitions related to ageing, such as becoming an adult or entering retirement, involve major adjustments.
Family changes: Adding a new family member, like through birth or adoption, or dealing with changes in family dynamics.
Educational milestones: Starting or finishing school, moving from one educational level to another, or pursuing further education.
Each of these triggers can lead to a period of adjustment as you navigate the changes and find your new normal.
Help from a psychologist for life transition
When coping with a major life transition is seriously impacting your daily life, it is high time to consider seeking help from a mental health professional at Someone Health.
Our psychologists are skilled at:
Helping you understand what’s making the transition so challenging
Showing you how to accept and adapt to the change in a positive way
Providing relaxation and mindfulness techniques
Assisting you in finding social support to ease the transition
Giving you tools to gradually ease into the change
Psychologists available online
Find a psychologist who suits you
Frequently asked questions
Is telehealth right for me if I'm having a mental health crisis?
Telehealth works well for mild to moderate mental health concerns. It is not designed for a mental health crisis or an acute episode. Some examples are:
- Psychosis (losing touch with reality, or having thoughts and beliefs that are not based in reality)
- A manic episode (racing thoughts, little need for sleep, and taking big risks)
- A severe eating disorder that needs medical care
- A serious risk of harming yourself or someone else
Because we are a telehealth service, we cannot manage these situations safely. If you are in crisis, please get help in person.
If you are having thoughts of suicide and need urgent support, see your GP. They can assess you and refer you to the right in-person service.
If you feel at risk of acting on these thoughts, or you cannot keep yourself safe, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. You can also call Lifeline any time on 13 11 14.
Once you are safe and you have the support you need in person, we welcome you to book with us for ongoing care.
How will I know the therapy is working for me?
It will not always be obvious and it could be gradual. But when you start feeling better, then that means that the therapy is working.You'll also be able to see things more clearly as you progress with your talk therapy. Healing, however, is not always so clear-cut. There will always be ups and downs. If that happens, you can talk to your psychologist about your progress and be open with what you're feeling.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Are all your psychologists registered?
Australia has regulatory bodies to ensure we maintain consistent and high standards across the psychology profession.Yes. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), and individually selected and monitored by Someone Health's expert clinical team.
How long does it take to see a psychologist?
It depends on the psychologist you choose and how your sessions are funded.Once you have signed up and we have verified your details, you can choose a psychologist and book a time that suits you. Availability varies by psychologist and funding option, and Find a psychologist shows each psychologist's next available appointment.
Can a psychologist prescribe medication?
Only your GP or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.Medication can only be prescribed by medical doctors, which includes general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists.
If you need the services of a psychiatrist, please visit Call To Mind, a telehealth service specialising in psychiatry.