Some events in life can have a considerable impact on our health. The stress that comes with a job loss, a house move, or a divorce might, in some cases, be so severe that we end up suffering physical symptoms. Other problems, like a debilitating illness or injury, can bring about mental health consequences as a side effect.
Let’s take a look at some side effects off a major life change, and what can be done to manage them.
The Hidden Impact of Stressful Transitions
If your life has fallen into a comfortable pattern of routine, then any disruption might cause you to feel stressed or anxious. You might feel as though you’re no longer in control of the situation – even if you consciously decided to bring it about.
Even small things, like installing a new phone system at work, or getting the front door replaced, can take a little bit of getting used to. You might notice yourself feeling exhausted at the end of the day, or losing your temper more often. If the change is a major one, then the mental impact might be even more considerable.
Listen to What Your Body Is Telling You
If the physical symptoms of your transition are significant, then they might be taken as a warning that it’s time to slow things down, or to take a break and prioritise your wellbeing. Common symptoms of severe stress include skin problems and hair loss, as well as headaches, insomnia, and depression.
Protecting Your Mental Health Through Uncertainty
So, what’s the best way to support your own mental health when you’re going through a transition of this kind? The simple answer is that there are many different solutions to think about, each of which might nudge you back in a healthy direction.
Resist the urge to self-medicate through drugs and alcohol. Make sure that you’re giving yourself a decent window for sleep, and that you take the time to wind down in the evening. Make sure that you’re eating a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of fluids.
Create Routines That Support Stability
When life is uncertain, the right routines can create an all-important sense of peace and stability. If you’re getting up every morning, exercising, and eating your meals at the same time every day, then you might find yourself less affected by the factors that are disrupting your life.
Lean on the Right People (and Professionals)
If you feel like you’re facing an ordeal on your own, then the stress might be that much more difficult to bear. For this reason, the company of like-minded people who are in a similar situation can be critical. Support groups are therefore worth looking for.
More practical assistance that isn’t related to your physical or mental health might also be beneficial. For example, if you’re going through a divorce, the support of a good family law firm might provide significant peace of mind.
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
Building resilience is often a matter of forming the right habits. We’ve already mentioned the importance of routine. But arguably just as important is that you recognise damaging habits, and make the effort to break them. For example, if you’re used to drinking a glass of wine each night in front of the television, you might break the link between those two activities, and remove yourself to a different environment, like a local park, or a friend’s house.
