Life changes

When things change

Even if the change is expected and positive, we can still struggle with the effects.

It helps to be aware how stressful change can be, but also be aware that the stress is unlikely to last. It's important to take action if the effects last a long time after the change happened.

When things change, it can be helpful to understand what's happening and how the change could be affecting us.

Read more about dealing with stress

Starting university

Student life this year will feel different for many. Lockdowns, restrictions and changes to the norm might leave you feeling anxious, uncertain and stressed.

On top of all that, you might feel unsupported or lonely because your usual support network of family and friends are not around. You might have had hopes about what your time at uni would look like, but now those hopes seem uncertain.

Things like moving into your new accommodation, making new friends and starting your new academic timetable mean there might be a lot of pressure on you to adapt in an already difficult time.

All of this can naturally put a strain on your mental wellbeing. If you are feeling this way, there is support and information you might find helpful.

Pregnancy and bringing up children

A pregnancy is a huge change in our lives, especially if it's a first baby. It can be an exciting time, but physical changes can result in poor sleep caused by discomfort, and hormonal changes can result in up-and-down moods. Read more about experiencing low mood.

Some people cope with these changes well, but others find it harder, particularly if they have to deal with morning sickness or health conditions such as diabetes.

Relationships will also be tested, particularly with a partner who may also be worried or confused.

Miscarriage or stillbirth may be a big worry for many pregnant women and those around them. If a miscarriage or stillbirth happens, it can be devastating and can be linked to symptoms of trauma.

While many people are aware you can become depressed after having a baby, it's less well known that many women experience anxiety during and after pregnancy. In fact, it's common to experience depression and anxiety together.

Some people may be particularly anxious about childbirth. Some people may experience postnatal depression and a small number experience postpartum psychosis.

There are lots of sources of support and information that can help if you are pregnant, have had a baby or have been through a miscarriage.

Ageing and later life

Ageing happens to us all. Later life can be full of amazing new experiences. Retirement can give you newfound freedom, and grandchildren can be a joy.

But many of us find the change hard, especially if work played a major part of our lives. Sudden loss of status and financial security, and the withdrawal from social networks and activities at work can all affect our mental wellbeing.

When children leave home, it can also be a new phase of life, but it might feel as if the house is empty. It can also put a different focus on relationships with partners or friends, and this could cause friction.

You may also find that you're caring for an elderly, ill or disabled parent or partner.

As we age, we may find we lose our financial or physical independence. We might struggle to go out or do things alone, or may not have the money to engage in activities we once enjoyed and that connected us to other people.

Being in a care home or having a long stay in hospital can break the familiar routines of our life, causing us to feel confused and maybe even depressed.

There are also natural changes to the body that are part of the ageing process. Some of these, such as the menopause, can often result in low mood and anxiety.

It can feel like signs of depression or struggles with our mental health are an inevitable part of getting older, but they do not need to be. For example, free NHS psychological therapies (IAPT, England only) are just as effective for older adults.

There's lots you can do to improve things, and plenty of sources of support and information that can help.

Caring for others

Looking after someone else can be a positive and rewarding experience, but it can also be mentally and physically draining.

Helping someone else gives you less time for your own needs and thoughts. Although you may really want to care for them, you may also find it difficult and upsetting, or might feel overwhelmed and unable to look after yourself properly.

There's practical and emotional support available for carers. Speak to your local authority about what help might be available to you by asking for a carer's assessment.

If you are worried about supporting or caring for others during a COVID-19 wave, or if you need to stay at home, Carers UK has advice on creating a contingency plan.

There are lots of sources of support and information that can help if you're caring for someone else.