The Link Between Change, Loss and Wellbeing

Having worked for many years supporting adolescents and adults, I noticed a common theme underlying people’s distress when sharing their story. It was, and continues to be, the universal themes of change and loss.

Although a loss is unique to every individual, some mental health and wellbeing challenges can be triggered as a result of our felt loss. For example:  

• Anxiety, overwhelm and anger – feeling we have lost control or are out of control

• Depression – the loss of hope, loss of motivation, dreams, meaning or purpose

• Trauma – the loss of safety, security, or the loss of self

• Loneliness – the loss of connection with others

Alternatively, some losses that we might grieve as a result of a life changing event might be: 

• Separation, divorce or relationship rupture – loss of security, friendship/ love, connection or an imagined future

• Dementia, Disability and/or a Life Changing Diagnosis – loss of capacity, function, independence, personal identity, an imagined future, social roles or social life, intimacy, purpose or dignity.

• Retrenchment - loss of a job, financial security, status or identity

• Death – loss of love or connection, loss of a shared story or history, loss of a shared future together.

With any life change, something will inevitably be lost and a new chapter begins. We owe it to ourselves to acknowledge and grieve this loss before we can move in the direction of healing. From here, in time, it may be even possible to find meaning in what has occurred.

Sometimes it can be worthwhile to consider the losses or changes that have shaped our lives, and reflect on how we responded to them and what we discovered about ourself and others through the experience.

If you need additional support processing an unresolved issue or loss in your life, contact Ground Zero Counselling to start a potentially life changing conversation.