Change is the only constant in life. If things aren’t changing, then something is usually wrong. If you’re not growing, you’re getting stale. With that said, there are lots of changes that you won’t like. Many people suffer from depression and anxiety over these changes – a death in the family, job termination, personal injury or illness, or the loss of a good friend. Here’s how to deal with it, and walk away stronger.
Get Ready For Anxiety
If you’re prone to anxiety, keep some things around the house that will help you cope with that anxiety. For example, take up mediation, practice it, and keep music, candles, incense, and other items around the house that are relaxing or that will cull positive emotions to your conscious mind.
If you need more than meditation, try medicinal herbs and supplements like Suntheanine – which is scientifically proven to alleviate anxiety without any side effects.
If that doesn’t work, there are always prescription medications that will basically knock you out and put you into dreamland. However, this isn’t something you want to rely heavily on. Drugs, like Klonopin, have side effects that include extreme drowsiness and a feeling of listlessness. You’ll basically be worthless while taking it (i.e. all you’ll want to do is sleep and you won’t be able to think straight).
Get Introspective
keep an introspective journal. This is probably the best way to anticipate and cope with change. Actually, by keeping an introspective journal, you’re taking a proactive approach and getting to the root of your problems.
A journal doesn’t have to be more complicated than you asking yourself how you feel, what ideas lead you to feeling the way you do, and whether any negative feelings you have are rooted in rationality.
For example, let’s say you’re nervous or upset about a friend moving away. Ask yourself, “am I losing my friend?†“Why do I feel anxious or nervous?†“Why am I upset?†Odds are, your feelings are justified. Now ask, “What can I do about it?â€
These types of questions help you focus on what’s real and what’s important. Many times, there’s nothing you can do about the situation you’re in. Other times, you can do something. Either way, the act of writing things down makes it objective and clear in your mind.
If it’s something you cannot control, the act of writing it out helps you to concretize the fact that you must move on and that these feelings will eventually pass. Most importantly, introspection does not allow you to repress or bury your feelings. You confront them head-on and experience them so that they pass in a healthy manner.
Don’t Turn To Drugs Or Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol are a popular way to deal with change – or rather not deal with change. However, by abusing drugs, you never actually get to the root of the problem. You merely avoid it. If you’re currently suffering from alcohol or drug abuse, and you’re looking for an alternative to the 12-steps, or if the 12-steps have already failed you, know that there is a new approach that doesn’t involve AA, and it has a stellar track record of success.
Realize That Things Are Going To Be Different Forever
Finally, you have to realize that, regardless of the change you’re going though, your life will be forever changed. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – even when something bad happens to you. Almost everything in life is a learning experience. If you view it in this context, change is an opportunity for growth, for a renewed life. Embrace it.
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Steve Tucker counsels people meeting many of life’s common challenges. He enjoys blogging about effective strategies for dealing with emotional issues, transitions, and habitual behaviors.
