Transitional Depression

Previously on the blog, I've shared stories about people navigating significant life transitions. A particular one that comes to mind is Josh's story. Josh moved to a new city for work and experienced a period of depression during this transition. I love sharing these stories of life transition to normalize the difficulties of navigating recent seasons.

Keep reading to better understand how periods of uncertainty can manifest as depression symptoms. Connect with Wingate Counseling for a free consultation for personalized support in navigating transition.

What is transitional depression?

Firstly, I want to acknowledge that "transitional depression" is not a formal diagnosis but rather a way I categorize depression symptoms linked to a big life change. I like to think of life transitions as a living loss. You are saying "goodbye" to one version of your life and "hello" to your new normal. Periods of change can shake our identity leaving us to long for a past version of our life.

Why would someone experience signs of depression when going through a big life change?

Your brain likes things to stay the same because that's safe. When your brain feels unsafe, it sends messages to your body that danger is near. Your brain is doing its job to protect you, but sometimes it overcompensates. This inaccurate information may lead to depression.

Think about it like this, when your brain shouts "danger," your body braces itself (e.g., tensing up). Over time that unnecessary tension leads to exhaustion. To cope with the "dangers of the world," you might avoid life altogether and experience depression. In Josh's case, his brain shouted "danger" whenever new things felt uncomfortable. Over time, he was left feeling overwhelmed and isolated. It's a crazy ripple effect!

What do we do when our brains get it wrong?

As you can see, sometimes your brain works too hard, leaving you stuck or unhappy. My advice, let the passage of time do some of the hard work. Time doesn't heal all, but it does help your brain and body settle into the new normal. It's also important to acknowledge and make room for tricky feelings. It's okay to admit, "this is hard right now," and give yourself a moment to feel your emotions. This may seem counterintuitive, but it actually helps! And, when possible, do things that are comforting as you adjust.

Why do big changes seem harder for me than other people?

It's easy to compare ourselves to other people's highlight reels or the expectations we place on ourselves. In reality, everyone is different. There are a lot of factors that make up how we feel and respond to a life change. I know it's hard, but try not to compare your journey. Do your best to let go of expectations and be gentle to yourself along the way!

The Bottom Line

Big changes can shake our foundation, leaving us feeling shaky and unsure for a while. When operating from that place, it's natural to experience some hard days. Remember, your brain is doing its best to help you but sometimes works too hard. Do yourself a favor and send soothing messages to your brain. Spend time meditating, taking deep breaths, enjoying the sunshine, or connecting with a supportive friend. You don't have to tackle this alone! Connect with Wingate Counseling for personalized support during life transitions.