Stressful Changes Can Be Under More Control

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An anxiety or stress-producing situation for most people is any condition or circumstance that forces us to make an adjustment or a change. Examples might include beginning school, getting started in an occupation, changing jobs, children leaving home, moving to a new community, buying a home, or adjusting to retirement. Some general guidelines for lessening this anxiety might include: (1) talking with a trusted parent, friend, relative, neighbor, or mental-health professional about the worrisome issue; and (2) making a list of all the positive aspects of a situation on one side of a piece of paper and a list of the disturbing or annoying characteristics on the other half of the page. Study and evaluate what you have written. This procedure often helps in decision-making or in taking a more rational view of the situation.

It is useful after listing and choosing what must be done to bring about needed changes in one's life, to sort them out. Take "one thing at a time" -- set short-term goals! Enjoy the success of reaching these first! Then proceed with the long-range plans.

Source: Mendota Mental Health Institute, Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services, Madison, Wisconsin. Via James E. Van Horn, Pennsylvania State Extension Family Sociologist, October 1985.

Sue Meyers
Family Sociologist

Originally published in January 1986

College of Human Ecology in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Extension Service

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