When Life Shifts: Why Ignoring Difficult Transitions Can Hurt More Than You Think
- Nada Johnson
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
When Change Knocks at the Door
Change is a natural part of life, yet even the most expected transitions can stir deep emotions.
A new job, a move, the end of a relationship, retirement, or becoming a parent can all shift how we see ourselves and our world.
Many people try to “push through,” convincing themselves that everything is fine. But unacknowledged emotions don’t simply fade; they build up quietly, showing up as stress, irritability, disconnection, or exhaustion.
Ignoring what a transition brings doesn’t protect us. It keeps us stuck.
What Are Difficult Transitions?
Difficult transitions are periods when life’s changes shake your sense of stability or identity. These moments often bring uncertainty, self-doubt, and emotional fatigue, even when the change itself is positive.
Some common examples include:
➡️ Job loss or career change
➡️ Moving or immigration
➡️ Separation or divorce
➡️ Becoming a parent or adjusting to an empty nest
➡️ Grief and loss
➡️ Health challenges or caregiving roles
You may feel sadness, anxiety, frustration, relief, guilt, or confusion, sometimes all at once.
These emotions are valid and human.
Why Addressing Transitions Matters
When we avoid processing difficult transitions, the emotional weight doesn’t disappear. It often resurfaces in our relationships, our bodies, and our ability to find joy.
💠 Emotional avoidance can lead to burnout, resentment, or physical symptoms like headaches or insomnia.
💠 Family members may feel distant or unsure how to support you.
💠 Unprocessed grief or anger can spill into future chapters of your life.
Psychological research shows that naming and expressing emotions allows the brain to regulate stress and build resilience (Gross, 2015). In other words, healing begins the moment we stop pretending we’re okay.
How Counselling Can Help
At Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services (NJCCS), I support individuals, couples, and
families through life’s most complex transitions. Together, we work to:
🌿 Explore and name the emotions beneath change.
🌿 Build coping strategies for uncertainty and loss.
🌿 Strengthen communication and understanding within families.
🌿 Reconnect with your sense of identity, purpose, and hope.
Counselling is not about fixing what’s broken; it’s about helping you find steadiness within the storm and clarity in what comes next.
You Don’t Have to Face Change Alone
Life will continue to shift, but you don’t have to navigate those shifts silently. With the right support, difficult transitions can become opportunities for growth, healing, and deeper connection.
If you're having trouble adjusting, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help you move forward with compassion and strength.
With warmth,
Nada Johnson, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist / trained Family Mediator / EMDR Trained Therapist / Certified Racial Trauma Clinician / Mental Health & Sexual Violence Consultant / Professional Speaker
🌍 Website: www.nadajohnsonservices.com
📩 Contact: info@nadajohnsonservices.com
Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services – Online phone and video sessions available
Village Healing Centre: 240 Roncesvalles Avenue
Follow our platforms for empowering content, mental health resources, and stories on navigating life’s transitions with resilience and grace. 🌿
Please share this post to support others who may be struggling through change, because every person deserves space to grow, heal, and find peace through life’s shifting seasons. 💙
References
Gross, J. J. (2015). Emotion regulation: Current status and future prospects. Psychological Inquiry, 26(1), 1–26.
Bridges, W. (2009). Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change. Da Capo Press.
Rogers, C. R. (1957). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 21(2), 95–103.
Want More Support for Your Professional & Personal Growth?
🔷Try Potential Unlocked™🔷
In addition to counselling, NJCCS offers coaching through our sister brand, Potential Unlocked™, designed specifically for professional women navigating career, leadership, and life transitions.
We support clients with:
Communication and conflict strategy in the workplace
Career development and leadership coaching
Navigating workplace dynamics and burnout recovery
Building confidence in both personal and professional relationships (Online dating empowerment coaching, because personal growth impacts professional life too!)
👉 Visit www.potentialunlocked.ca to learn more or book a free 10-minute consultation call.
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