Light precedes every transition. Whether at the end of a tunnel, through a crack in the door or the flash of an idea, it is always there, heralding a new beginning. – Theresa Tsalaky

Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development. This transition from childhood to adulthood is a profound and intricate journey that can shape a person’s life dramatically. It is a time when young people experience significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes as well as increased responsibilities and expectations. This transition is not merely a chronological progression; it encompasses a complex interplay of social, cultural, and personal factors that contribute to the development of a person’s identity and a variety of essential life skills. Providing the proper support during this time in a young person’s life can be daunting, as there is no “one size fits all” approach to helping young people transition from dependent to independent beings. Here, we look at some of the challenges that accompany transitions and consider how we can best cope with change.

The Growth Spurt

Physically, the transition from childhood to adulthood involves myriad changes. Adolescence is characterized by the onset of puberty, which triggers a series of physical bodily transformations.

For many young people, changes in body shape and size can trigger body image concerns and self-consciousness. Adolescents can become more aware of their bodies as objects to be desired or disliked and may compare themselves to societal ideals or expectations. This can lead to dissatisfaction with their physical appearance, which can adversely affect self-esteem and potentially lead to body dysmorphia or eating disorders. As young people transition from being seen as children to being viewed as adolescents or adults, they are given different forms of attention and are even held to different expectations by other adults.

This change in attention and interaction can provide both joy and discomfort. Assumptions about maturity or abilities based on physical appearance can put pressure on adolescents, who may still need to gain the experience or skills that are expected of them. 

The Importance of Accepting Change

Throughout life, we all experience transitions and changes as we move from childhood to adulthood, from education to work, from being single to parenthood for many, the transition to starting or ending relationships, and the changes involved when moving, perhaps even to a different state or country. The ancient Greek philosopher Wiseley said, “The only constant in life is change.” Building emotional flexibility to deal with unseen changes is key to managing an ever-evolving world.

Whatever the transition, change elicits a delicate mix of feelings and emotions that can often be difficult to manage or comprehend. It is normal to experience confusion or stress during these transitions, question whether you’re making the right choice, ponder what will come next, and reflect on all that you’re leaving behind. 

Building adaptability and resilience in adolescence means that sudden changes throughout life seem more manageable because you have the emotional flexibility and confidence to deal with them.

Tips for Navigating Transitions

Preparing for a transition can alleviate the sense that there is too much change all at once, which can be overwhelming. Whenever possible – such as during the transition from school to work or college – take time to plan for the logistical aspects of the transition. This might include taking time off, learning to cook a few staple meals, getting experience managing money, or simply cultivating a positive mindset that can guide you through the process.

Setting reasonable expectations is crucial to avoiding frustration and stress. It’s important to recognize that transitions can be challenging, and expecting everything to go smoothly may lead to disappointment. Instead, acknowledge that you may experience stress and overwhelm at times and accept that these feelings are entirely normal during periods of change. Try to accept feelings of stress without judgment and know that it is not a sign of weakness or failure.

Establishing a routine can help ease the transition, and developing a manageable morning or evening routine can provide a sense of consistency and stability. The key is to make the routine enjoyable and realistic so that there isn’t any guilt or disappointment if you don’t keep it up consistently. Incorporating regular sleep and wake times, daily walks, or other forms of exercise, meditation, or intention setting into each day can provide a sense of daily accomplishment, boost mental health, and create balance and solidity during the transition.

Practicing awareness of self-talk or internal dialogue is important for recognizing when it is particularly negative and making the transition more difficult. Fostering positive self-talk can be done by reflecting on past transitions or challenging situations that you have successfully managed. Take time to foster self-belief, and remind yourself that you can also handle the current transition. Practicing self-compassion is essential for navigating change and adapting to transitions. There is not one correct way to deal with change, so focus on yourself rather than comparisons with others.

Reaching Out

Dealing with change can be tough, with transitions often causing uncertainty and disorientation, so it’s important to stay connected to friends, family, and support networks to make the transition easier and to maintain a sense of belonging and stability. Seeking support from friends, family, or mentors can provide insight, advice, and emotional reassurance. 

Sharing experiences, seeking guidance, and venting frustrations can offer stress relief while fostering connections with loved ones and alleviating isolation. Reaching out allows access to new perspectives and opportunities to learn from others’ experiences. It can be helpful to hear insights, strategies, and coping mechanisms from people who have undergone similar transitions.

Reaching out empowers individuals to navigate uncertainty and fosters personal growth during periods of change. Although change may feel isolating, help is always available when needed.

Sources:

^[1] Keller, T. E., Cusick, G. R., & Courtney, M. E. (2007). Approaching the Transition to Adulthood: Distinctive Profiles of Adolescents Aging out of the Child Welfare System. The Social service review, 81(3), 453–484. https://doi.org/10.1086/519536

^[2]  Patton, G. C., Sawyer, S. M., Santelli, J. S., Ross, D. A., Afifi, R., Allen, N. B., Arora, M., Azzopardi, P., Baldwin, W., Bonell, C., Kakuma, R., Kennedy, E., Mahon, J., McGovern, T., Mokdad, A. H., Patel, V., Petroni, S., Reavley, N., Taiwo, K., Waldfogel, J., Viner, R. M. (2016). Our future: a Lancet commission on adolescent health and wellbeing. Lancet (London, England), 387(10036), 2423–2478. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00579-1