Not all of us react to change the same way. Some people actively seek and embrace change, seeing it as an opportunity. These people tend to experience less stress when change does occur. Most of us, however, are naturally averse to change.

Is dealing with change like dealing with grieving?

Some experts liken the process of coping with change to the grieving process. One day you feel like crying; the next day you are angry at the world; the next you wonder why others are making such a big deal out of nothing; the next you want to run away. These are all reactions to the loss you are experiencing, not necessarily to the change itself.  One theory suggests that the change process, just like the grieving process, has basic stages.

The process of change

Shock or fear

This includes feelings of helplessness, powerlessness, low morale, and resistance to change. It is common to feel this way if the change is a negative one or beyond your control.

Denial

This is a natural coping mechanism and buys you time to process the information subconsciously.

Anger or frustration

When realising that the change is really happening and going to affect you, you get angry and frustrated. It’s not uncommon to blame something or someone else for doing this to you.

Bargaining

In an attempt to postpone the inevitable, we start bargaining with life, others, or a greater power.

Depression

When realising that bargaining is not going to work, the reality of the change sets in. At this point you become aware of the loss associated with the change, and what it is that you have to let go of. This can make you feel down or depressed.

Testing

As reality sets in, you start looking for realistic things you can do to help the situation in any way. This is often done with the support of others.

Acceptance

Eventually you accept your new reality, let go of the past and look forward. This stage is the catalyst for personal growth.  Everyone moves through the stages at a different pace, depending on their own personality and on the type of change they are adapting to. It is possible to get stuck in a particular phase or to cycle between these stages. If these feelings persists or impairs your life significantly, you may need to talk to your EWP provider or mental health provider

Remember that the EWP is available to you 24 hours, 365 days a year and our qualified personnel are on hand to offer confidential counselling and emotional support as well as legal and financial information to you and your dependants.

Written by LifeAssist