How to Transition Out of 2020 and Into a New Year

2020 has been one for the record books, hasn’t it?!  Or maybe one you would rather forget!  The challenges and transitions have left many people stressed, discouraged, weary, and low on hope. 

Part of the struggle is in transitioning from the familiar to the unexpected, from hopes and plans to unwanted interruptions and changes in direction.  The struggle can be so significant that the DSM-5 identifies “Adjustment Disorder” as representing the experience of emotional or behavioral symptoms that cause disproportionate distress and/or impairment of functioning in response to stressful life changes.

A Metaphor for Life Transitions

Changing seasons offer a metaphor and suggest ways to adjust to stressful changes.  Right around mid-November, I get a bit sad. The oranges, golds, and reds on the trees turn brown. The lawns give up their carpets of color, and the bare-branched trees no longer canopy the streets.  It’s hard to say good-bye. 

And yet that difficult transition in the season also marks the coming of Thanksgiving and Christmas which, for me, mean warmth, togetherness, giving, and joy.  So I notice and let myself feel the loss of the part of fall that never seems quite long enough, accept and move into what I cannot change anyway, and begin anticipating the holidays and what they mean to me.

Grieving

When facing change, let yourself grieve.  You may be remembering a more peaceful time, leaving behind your children’s toddler years, moving from a treasured home, adjusting to decreased connection with others, or mourning the death of a loved one.  Journal; draw; talk it out with someone who understands; listen to that sad song; sit still and compassionately with the parts of yourself that are grieving.

Practice Acceptance

Then acknowledge the changes, verbally or in writing, over which you have no control.  That is a major part of coping with life transitions. Recognizing what is out of your hands will help shift your expectations, create space to accept what is, and reduce your frustration and anger.

Find Meaning

Lastly, look for meaning in the new reality.  For example, maybe the stressful conditions of 2020 also meant more family time, an opportunity to slow down mentally, or increased motivation to get outside for some fresh air and exercise.  Explore the possibility that the interruption to your plans is also offering new opportunities, unexpected gifts, or a shift in perspective.

It’s been a year!  Whatever comes in the next one, notice, name, and let yourself have your feelings; accept the unexpected; and search for the hidden gifts. You may find you are more resilient than you knew. 

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Start Counseling for Coping with Life Transitions in Tigard, OR Today

Our team of skilled therapists specializes in coping with life transitions in Oregon. We understand how difficult it can be to keep going and stay positive despite the circumstances. Contact us today to talk about how we can help you start feeling more productive and confident, or to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors. We offer both face-to-face (in-person) counseling sessions and online video counseling to residents in the state of Oregon.

More Therapy Services at Discover Counseling in Tigard, OR

Not only can we help with your anxiety and depression, but we can also help navigate these difficult life transitions. Especially, the grief and loss we are all feeling right now! This is an especially difficult time for engaged couples and couples on the brink of separation or divorce. Also, for pregnant, postpartum, and parenting couples. Basically, everyone is facing some type of stressor right now. Please let our therapists help you navigate this difficult time.