When Change Makes You Anxious: Coping Through Life Transitions with a Houston Therapist
Anxiety | Mental Health | Houston Therapy
Change is hard — especially when you’re a young adult in Houston navigating the rollercoaster of life transitions. Whether it’s starting a new career, moving to a new city, ending a relationship, or entering adulthood milestones, these big changes can make you feel anxious AF. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to cope with life transitions, you’re not alone — and therapy in Houston can help.
Why Change Feels So Anxiety-Inducing
Humans crave routine, comfort, and stability, so change can feel disruptive and scary. Even positive changes—like landing your dream job or starting a new relationship—can trigger anxiety and leave you feeling off balance. Change often brings up emotions you thought you’d handled or activates old patterns of thinking and behavior that feel familiar (even if they’re not healthy).
On top of that, change highlights how little control we really have over life. The uncertainty of new beginnings can spark existential questions and worries about the future — and that’s completely normal.
The Stages of Change: Understanding Your Journey
Knowing what stage of change you’re in can help make sense of your feelings and give you tools to move forward. Here’s a quick rundown of the stages — which many young adults in Houston experience during big life shifts:
Pre-contemplation: Denying the need for change. ("I hate my job but can’t imagine quitting.")
Contemplation: Recognizing change is needed but feeling stuck. ("I know my relationship isn’t healthy, but I’m not ready to leave.")
Preparation: Planning for change. ("I’m researching therapists in Houston to get support.")
Action: Taking concrete steps. ("I started therapy and applied for new jobs.")
Maintenance: Sticking with your new choices. ("I’m continuing therapy and setting boundaries with my ex.")
Remember, change is rarely linear — it’s normal to move back and forth between these stages.
Coping Tips for Anxiety During Life Transitions
1. Change Your Relationship to Anxiety
Anxiety during change is your brain’s way of signaling a perceived threat. Instead of fighting these feelings, try accepting them. Practice self-soothing activities like journaling, walking, or yoga to calm your nervous system. Anxiety doesn’t mean danger — it means you’re doing something new and challenging, which is growth!
2. Align with Your Core Values
Make a list of your core values—what matters most to you. Use these values to remind yourself why you’re making tough choices. For example, if moving across Houston for a new job feels scary but aligns with your goal of independence, focus on that. Visualize the future you want, embracing both the excitement and the anxiety.
3. Practice Radical Acceptance
Radical acceptance, a skill from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), means fully accepting the present moment without judgment. It helps you stop resisting change and conserve energy for what you can control. Trust that you will navigate the discomfort and eventually find your way.
4. Lean on Your Support System
Whether it’s friends, family, or a Houston therapist, having people to talk to can make all the difference. Therapy is especially powerful during transitions because it offers a safe space to process emotions and develop coping strategies tailored to you.
Life Transitions Are Hard — But You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
Whether you’re a recent college grad adjusting to a new job in Houston, navigating a breakup, or facing any big life shift, therapy can be a valuable resource. Working with a Houston therapist who understands young adults and life transitions can help you move forward with confidence and resilience.
If you’re a young professional woman in Houston (or anywhere in Texas) struggling with anxiety or change, feel free to reach out. I’m currently accepting new clients and would love to support you through your journey.
