Navigating Life Phases
“Mom, the brown leaves are dead, right?”
Welcome to the running narrative of my daughter. She is three and has big feelings. She is very curious and confused about the world. Lots of questions about death and feeling sad that leaves are dying, not really knowing what it all means. These questions are usually quickly followed by “can I have a snack” so we have a nice balance of emotions happening.
We have been talking a lot as a family about the four seasons and that, yes, things die in the fall months, and those that survive hibernate and rest during the winter months to emerge again with growth in the springtime. Lots of dead plants and bugs to discuss, and thinking about how to capture the cycles of life and of the world for the minds of tiny people.
November emerges as a unique month in the annual calendar.
It is a time of reflection and gratitude, offering us the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with our loved ones.
November also brings with it its own set of challenges, making it a central month in the phases of a year.
We are not alone in our big thoughts, feelings and emotions this time of year.
Phases of a Year
Understanding life as a series of phases allows for a nuanced perspective.
Phases can overlap, change, and persist, offering a complex view of personal and worldly progression.
While seasons and chapters often have defined endpoints, phases are more fluid, an ethos embraced at Phases Virginia.
You can be in more than one phase, have one phase of your life change while another stays the same, experience a phase for many years or not even a year, leave a phase only to return to it at a point in time.
Transition Fears
As we approach the year's end, inviting contemplation about the future, it becomes evident that life unfolds in various phases, each marked by unique challenges and opportunities. Amid reflections on change and personal growth, it's essential to recognize the stress that often accompanies these transitions. Statistics highlight the mental toll that the year's conclusion can take, underlining the importance of approaching this phase thoughtfully.
The end of the year introduces its own set of complexities, emphasizing the need for a mindful and resilient perspective.
Holiday Financial Stress: According to the American Psychological Association (APA), a significant number of Americans report heightened stress levels as the year comes to a close. In a recent survey conducted by the APA, 62% of respondents cited financial concerns as a major source of stress during the holiday season. Additionally, 68% reported feeling increased stress due to the pressure of gift-giving.
Financial Stress Beyond Gifts: The National Endowment for Financial Education reports that besides holiday spending, financial stress extends to concerns about year-end expenses, such as taxes and financial planning for the upcoming year. About 88% of Americans experience financial stress at some point during the holiday season.
Anxiety and Related Impacts: In addition to holiday-related stress, various factors contribute to end-of-year stress in the United States. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about 40 million adults in the U.S. (18.1% of the population) experience anxiety disorders. The end of the year can exacerbate these conditions due to factors such as work deadlines, family obligations, and the pressure to meet personal goals.
Work-Related Stress: A study conducted by the American Institute of Stress found that job-related stress is a significant concern for many Americans. Around 80% of workers feel stress on the job, with nearly half indicating that they need help in managing their stress. The culmination of the year often brings performance reviews, project deadlines, and the anticipation of the upcoming work year, all of which contribute to heightened stress levels.
Health-Related Stress: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the winter season, which coincides with the end of the year, sees an increase in health-related stress. Factors such as the flu season and the onset of cold weather contribute to concerns about illness, impacting both physical and mental well-being.
Social Isolation: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that feelings of social isolation often intensify towards the end of the year. Loneliness and the pressure to attend social events can contribute to mental health challenges, with 20% of Americans experiencing loneliness during the holiday season, according to a survey by Cigna.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): The Mayo Clinic reports that Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, tends to peak in the winter months. It affects about 5% of the U.S. population, primarily in northern climates where daylight hours decrease significan
It's more than just an individual struggle; these statistics underscore that many of us grapple with heightened pressure, witnessing a decline in mental health and well-being that often leaves us feeling stressed, exhausted, and eagerly awaiting the end of the holiday season.
Finding Strength in Seeking Professional Help
Navigating the nuances of mental health, especially during the month of November, requires a comprehensive understanding of the benefits that seeking professional help can offer.
Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's insight into the transformative power of non-judgmental expression lays the foundation for exploring the multifaceted reasons why therapy is crucial during this period. Backed by compelling statistics and reputable sources, here are key points to consider:
Timely Support for Heightened Challenges: November introduces unique stressors, with reduced daylight hours and escalating social and familial pressures. According to a survey conducted by Mental Health America, the prevalence of mental health issues increases by 20% during the fall and winter months. Seeking therapy during this time provides vital support, offering individuals the tools to build resilience before the heightened stress of the holiday season.
Preventing Escalation with Early Intervention: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) emphasizes the importance of early intervention in mental health. Research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology shows that early therapeutic intervention can significantly reduce the risk of developing more severe mental health conditions. Therapists, equipped with effective interventions, play a crucial role in preventing the escalation of mental health concerns.
Cultivating Coping Skills Through Therapeutic Guidance: Therapists serve as skilled mentors in imparting healthy coping strategies. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology reveals that individuals undergoing therapy exhibit a 40% reduction in self-reported stress levels. This underscores the efficacy of therapeutic guidance in cultivating adaptive coping mechanisms tailored to individual needs.
Building Emotional Resilience: Seeking therapy fosters emotional resilience, a quality vital for navigating life's challenges. A study in the Journal of Positive Psychology demonstrates that individuals engaged in regular therapy sessions report a 25% increase in emotional resilience, equipping them to cope effectively with stressors. This is particularly relevant in the face of November's heightened mental health challenges.
Enhancing Relationship Skills: Therapy serves as a catalyst for improved interpersonal relationships. According to a study published in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, individuals who undergo couples therapy report a 30% increase in relationship satisfaction. This is particularly beneficial during a month that can amplify social and familial stress.
In embracing the wisdom of seeking professional help, individuals not only find timely support but also engage in a proactive approach to mental health. The evidence-backed benefits of therapy during November extend beyond assistance, offering pathways to resilience, prevention, coping skills development, emotional fortitude, and enhanced relationship dynamics. In the intricate tapestry of mental well-being, therapy emerges as a valuable thread, weaving together strength, understanding, and transformative growth.
Navigating my own Phases
Life is hard, especially when your mental health oscillates without perspective and coping skills throughout each year. As we just laid out, seasonal changes and the passage of time has a major impact on the consistency of sound mental health and individual perspective on mental health.
As a therapist, I have much experience in the self-awareness and discovery that leads to managing consistency in good mental health. It does not mean I do not need help, that I have answers, that I don’t experiences phases of poor mental health, or that I don’t live life in the same way that everyone else does. The beauty of working with a professional mental health counselor is their compassion and awareness that all people fall at the mercy of life and how to manage individual struggles is often not taught and historically not embraced. We are all perfectly imperfect and always balancing the idea of ultimate self with what unfolds in our real lives. Some phases necessitate more internal reflection, while others demand outward focus—a natural evolution that requires self-compassion.
I wanted to share some of my own phases of life and how I have acknowledged the complexities of life, challenges and hardships, impossibility of perfection, the ebb and flow of life's demands. I hope that with a bit more insight into my own journey that the idea of seeking mental health therapy becomes more of a priority as you are working through the phases of your own life.
Reflecting on my high school days, I recall the intense effort I put into showcasing my talents for NCAA Division 1 programs. Determined to secure a spot as a scholarship player, I navigated the challenges of presenting my skills, meeting with teams, and choosing a school based not only on its academic merits but also on the financial offer for playing. It was a remarkable period in my life, but undeniably stressful. Balancing the pursuit of my athletic dreams with academic excellence, social relationships, and self-discovery proved to be quite the juggling act. Softball, while a significant part of my identity, didn't define me entirely; it was a passion I excelled in. Managing these various facets of high school life demanded considerable time and attention. Looking back, I wish I had access to professional mental health support, the value of having had a therapist—a neutral presence untainted by personal bias. Sometimes, the pressure stemming from the well-meaning bias of loved ones was the most challenging to navigate. A therapist could have bridged the transition period of high school to college, athletically, socially, academically as well as helped me in the balance throughout my four years as a scholarship athlete. The early 2000’s did not embrace the holistic approach to health especially to optimize peak performance in sports. Check out our Sports Therapy available through Phases Virginia if this describes you or your child.
Reflecting on my time in graduate school, I find myself reminiscing about the days when I juggled a full-time job and coursework to make ends meet. The exhilaration of Division 1 athletics had faded, and I entered a distinct phase of life—young, determined, and striving to strike a balance between work, financial independence, and the challenges of navigating life without the immediate support of family, especially when my check engine light decided to make a frequent appearance. My mindset shifted significantly from my early 20s to my late 20s and beyond, diverging from where I stood over fifteen years ago as I embarked on a career in the mental health field. The journey has been marked by diverse experiences, navigating various positions in different settings, and both offering and receiving support. In the realm of mental health training, the process requires periodic sessions with a personal therapist and consistent guidance from a dedicated supervisor throughout the four-to-five-year journey toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Looking back on pivotal life moments, I reminisce about the transformative phases of becoming a wife and later, a mother. These transitions brought both challenges and joys. Exactly a year ago, I confronted the onset of a chronic illness, experiencing the initial symptom of multiple sclerosis that manifested as a disability in my body. This introduced a wave of fear, stress, and pain, marking the beginning of a new and challenging chapter. Over the past 12 months, my perspectives have undergone a profound transformation. While I continue to navigate the ongoing phase of managing a chronic illness while also working and having many roles in my life, my mental health and overall outlook on life have evolved significantly. The strength of my current perspective is rooted in a blend of life experiences, steadfast support from my husband, friends, and colleagues, and the invaluable guidance provided by my therapist. Phases Virginia therapists can provide part of that blend for you.
As I've detailed, life is filled with various influences that shape a person's experiences across different phases, and this complexity intensifies when considering the additional pressures imposed by the seasonal calendar. I have shared only a very tiny glimpse into my life, let along the thoughts, feelings, actions specific to each phase of life and the major barriers to good overall health, especially mental health. I hope this excites you to think about your own life and how you want to embrace each phase you are in, no matter the struggles, to face transition and embrace each change as it comes.
In the words of Dr. Maya Angelou,
"My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive."
Embracing November as an opportunity for personal growth, resilience, and well-being, investing in mental health through professional therapy becomes a proactive step towards thriving in the face of unique stressors. As this year concludes and a new one begins, let's seize the opportunity to prioritize mental health and embark on a transformative journey. Add control and perspective to your own life. Schedule a free 15 minute phone call with us to determine if Phases Virginia is the right place to support your transformative journey.