Change can be daunting, exciting, overwhelming and relieving all at once. For the graduates of Cook County High School, their lives will soon change in unpredictable ways. For the parents of those graduates, whether it is their first graduate or their last, many will feel a roller coaster of emotions. There may be fleeting moments of joy mixed with sudden sadness as they think about their child leaving home.
Family members and friends will sit in the auditorium and eagerly wait for their loved one. The ceremony may trigger an array of emotions. A song, picture, words from the speaker, or a glance at a dear friend may bring about smiles and tears.
There is no “right” way to experience change. Change can cause a complex mix of emotions. If you ask parents how they feel about their child heading to college, you may hear how proud and excited they are of their child. They may also express their worries. If you ask graduates how they feel about leaving home, you may find they are elated and overwhelmed by their imminent independence.
It is important to be open and honest about how change is affecting you, even though you may feel vulnerable. Acknowledging sadness, fear, loneliness or unhappiness can be difficult. However, expressing emotions is a tremendous step towards working through emotions and finding support. At times you may feel like you are the only one experiencing difficulty. This is not the case, and in fact, you may find that many people are experiencing similar struggles.
When you are going through transitions, it is helpful to recognize your emotions without judgment. When you acknowledge the emotions, it may be easier to decipher why you feel a certain way and what action needs to be taken. The tendency for some is to try and hide emotions because of embarrassment or fear. This can make a person feel guilty for having such an emotion. However, you will go through multiple changes throughout your life, each one eliciting an array of emotions. Once you acknowledge them, change may be easier to embrace.
Each month a mental health therapist will discuss an area of mental health. This week’s contributor is Kelly J. Senty, Licensed Professional Counselor at Steps of Change.
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