What are life-stage issues?

Different problems arise at different periods of life, which can lead to stress and adjustment concerns. Entering or exiting a phase of life can be extremely disorienting, can disrupt your sense of self, and can result in painful emotional distress. Life events such as marriage, divorce, having children, dealing with loss or an unwell family member, entering middle age, health concerns, becoming an empty-nester, or job loss and retirement. There are many times in life when some perspective, insight and support can be beneficial.

What are the periods of development?

The life span is divided into eight stages by developmental experts, and these include:

• Prenatal development: the moment of conception to birth
• Infancy and toddlerhood: birth through to two years
• Early childhood: three to five years
• Middle childhood: six to eleven years
• Adolescence: 12 years to adulthood

The stages of adulthood include:

• Early adulthood: 22 to 34 years
• Middle adulthood: early middle age adulthood occurs between the ages of 35 and 44, and late middle age adulthood occurs between 45 and 64.
• Late adulthood: 65 and older

What are life-stage transitions?

Changing grades and changing school, starting or finishing university; starting a new job; adjusting to chronic sickness; moving away from friends or family are all examples of life-stage transitions. They can have a significant impact on an individual's overall health and well-being. Adapting to change is critical, yet many, regardless of being young or old, find it challenging. Changes in one's life that are beyond one's control, such as changing schools or migrating, can be particularly upsetting and challenging to adjust to.

How are life-stage transition problems treated?

There are a variety of steps to manage change and reduce the stress and uncertainty linked to a life-stage transition. It is crucial to understand the difference between what the individual had and felt comfortable with to the new or impending circumstances, its meaning for the individual, and why it is so stressful. Another helpful step is to focus on the potential good results, items or circumstances linked with the shift. For example, starting a new school might be an excellent opportunity to meet new friends and may not necessarily mean completely stopping contact up with previous friends. Specific preparations might be necessary in order to preempt what would make a new situation stressful. Breathing and mindfulness exercises and other general relaxation techniques are helpful tools for managing and conquering stress. Individual therapy can assist when an individual cannot cope with managing the change or transition on their own.