Life Transitions: Finding Peace Amongst Change
May 17, 2022
No matter what stage of life that an individual is facing, it does not alter the fact that changes can be difficult to navigate.
One area of change that people often face is through the transformation of roles in life. As people grow older, roles shift or can reverse. For instance, adult-aged children can find themselves becoming caregivers for their parents while simultaneously taking care of their own kids at home.
“I strive to have devoted time with my kids at home, but it is worrisome when I have to leave my parent alone,” says Darci, a mother, grandma and caregiver.
Another change adults can face is when they become empty nesters as their children gradate and leave home.
“Becoming empty nesters has been lonely at times without the everyday hustle and bustle,” says Scott, a parent of three. “I often miss the fellowship with my Godly children.”
Each of these situations are different, but they can both have the same effect on the individual. However, change doesn’t always have to be attached to negative experiences; positive change can be overwhelming to process as well. For example, the gift of becoming grandparents. While it is most often viewed as a joyous time, it can bring into perspective the concept of change within the life of someone who wishes for time to slow down.
“I truly don’t know where time went; I blinked and my kids were grown,” says Darci, who recently became a grandmother for the first time. “It can be hard to see your baby have a baby. You often worry more about your grandchild than you would with your own kids.”
Life transitions can be a hard reality for some to acknowledge, affecting the mental health of those facing the change at hand.
How do changes affect mental health? Change can frequently result in the rise of anxiety or depression. A few common signs of difficulties in change adjustment are:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low energy
- Headaches
- Digestive problems
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Social isolation
- Substance abuse
Have you found yourself facing a change that is causing these symptoms? Prairie View is here to guide you through this time.
At Prairie View, we offer the Life Transitions Program. This program serves as an outpatient program for older adults, ages 55 and older, to improve quality of life and promote skill development to cope with various life challenges.
Who might be eligible:
- Individuals who need more intense treatment than outpatient therapy alone
- Individuals with significant depression, anxiety or other mental/behavior disorders
- Individuals who want to cope better with life transitions
- Individuals who may have medical conditions but are medically stable and not a danger to themselves or others
The Life Transitions Program meets at Prairie View’s Newton location, and is scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Want to learn more? Visit www.prairieview.org or call 800-992-6292 to discover how Prairie View can walk next to you during this transformational time.