Why Life Transitions Hit Harder Than You Think

Maybe it’s a new job, a move, a breakup, or losing someone you love. These transitions sound manageable on paper, but they can hit harder than you expect. If you’ve ever felt off-balance and wondered why, you’re not alone. There is real science behind this, and understanding it might help you find your footing. Let me walk you through what’s going on and how I can help.

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Life changes shake us because they mess with our sense of normal. Your brain loves routine—it’s how it keeps you steady. When a transition rolls in, even a good one like a promotion, it throws that off. A study in Psychological Review dug into this: big shifts disrupt your identity and how you see the world, sparking stress that lingers longer than you’d guess.

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I’ve had clients, from first responders retiring to folks starting over after addiction, tell me it’s like the ground moved under them. That’s your brain scrambling to catch up, and it’s tougher when the change isn’t your choice.

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Your body feels it too. Ever get that tight chest or restless sleep during a big shift? That’s not just you—it’s biology. Research in Health Psychology shows transitions crank up your stress hormones, like cortisol, keeping your nervous system on edge.

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Here’s something wild: a 2013 study in Social Science & Medicine found moving homes can spike stress levels as much as losing a job, with 52% of people reporting worse mental health after a relocation.

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It’s not just in your head; your whole system takes the hit.

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What makes it worse is when the change piles onto something else. Maybe you’re switching careers while grieving, or leaving a relationship while dealing with past trauma. Science backs this up too. A paper in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that stacking life events—what they call cumulative stress—amps up emotional strain way more than any one thing alone.
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I see this with my Alberta clients all the time: a move might feel small, but if it’s layered on addiction recovery or first responder’s burnout, it’s a whole different beast.

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So why does this matter to you? Because if a transition has got you feeling lost, that’s a sign it’s more than just “life stuff.” It’s your brain and body telling you they need a hand sorting it out. I help folks through this in Sherwood Park and over telehealth across Alberta. Sometimes we use EMDR to quiet trauma responses that flare up with change. Other times, it’s Somatic Experiencing to settle the tension you’re carrying. I’ve watched clients go from rattled to grounded, and it starts with figuring out what fits for you.

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If this feels familiar—if a change is hitting harder than you thought it would—I’d love to help you through it. Sign up for my mailing list below to get more insights like this, or if you’re located in Alberta, book a consultation with me. You don’t have to wrestle with it alone, and I’m here when you’re ready to steady to gain ground again.

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