Life Changes
Some things happen the same way every day:
- You get up, get dressed, and eat breakfast
- You go to school or work
- You go home, eat dinner, and do something for fun
But sometimes things change.
Changes can be:
- Small (like going a different way to work)
- Or big (like moving)
- Some changes can make you happy.
Today, maybe you’re happy because:
- The sun is shining
- You are having pancakes for breakfast
- Your best friend is coming to visit
- Everyone at work is smiling and laughing
- Some changes can make you unhappy.
Today, maybe you’re sad because:
- You can’t find your favorite hat
- The bus is late
- Your friend is mad at you
- You didn’t get a letter from your father
- Your favorite TV show isn’t on
- Big changes also happen in life.
Big life changes can:
- Make you sad, mad, or angry
- Change the way you feel for a long time
- Make you sick (if you let them)
Some big life changes are good for you, but they can still be hard to deal with.
What are some big life changes?
- Moving to a new home
- Changing jobs
- Getting hurt or sick
- When someone you love dies
- When a friend doesn’t want to see you anymore
How do you know if a change in your life is a big one?
- You think about it all the time.
- It makes you very sad, worried or upset.
- You sleep a lot or not very much.
- You eat too much or too little.
- You don’t want to do things you usually enjoy.
What can you do about it?
- Talk to someone about your feelings.
- Exercise every day.
- Learn ways to relax - like deep breathing.
- Spend time with friends.
- Try a new activity.
- Do not use drugs or alcohol.
When a loved one dies:
This is a very big life change
You may;
- Feel very sad for a long time
- Feel weak or tired all the time
- Have trouble sleeping and eating
- Want to be alone
- Have trouble doing every day things
It takes time to feel better.
When a loved one dies, most people feel:
When a loved one dies, most people feel:
- Sad or angry for months or even years.
- Then they start to feel better.
- It helps to talk about your feelings.
What if you don’t start feeling better?
- Talk to a counselor.
- A counselor can help you find ways to feel better.
- Join a support group with other people who are going through big changes.
- In a support group people listen to each other and share ideas about how to feel better.
- You can call your doctor.
- Call your doctor if you:
- Cry all the time
- Feel sad, mad or afraid all the time
- Feel like hurting yourself
- Your doctor can help you feel better.
Remember, it takes time to get used to a big life change.
It helps to talk about your feelings.
- Ask friends, family, or a counselor for help.
- Do things that make you feel good - like spending time with friends.
- Do things to relax – like deep breathing.
Resources
Learn more ways to deal with big life changes.
Help for the Hard Times: Getting Through Loss by Early Hipp. (1995, Hazelden: Center City, MN) This book is written in plain language and uses pictures and words.
Last updated on April 2nd, 2010
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© Copyright 2010 California Department of Developmental Services
This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
© Copyright 2010 California Department of Developmental Services
This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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