Embrace Change

Change can be a challenge, a chore, or a new beginning. Some people have a life-long resistance to change. They are told what to do, and never get a handle on it. To them, change is frightening. Just the thought that anything might rock their orderly little world may give them an anxiety attack, or worse.

They will hold on to any menial job or lousy relationship they have . Often, these people grew up in an environment where everyone was expected to keep their personal problems private, and asking for help was considered unhealthy, a sign of weakness, or immoral.

it's quite difficult for mental health counselors to deal with these people. In some cultures, individuals don't want anyone else to know their business. They are taught to solve problems on their own. Getting them to overcome resistance and distrust of professional help is a challenge .

But it's often the only way people can achieve lasting change. By encouraging people to bare their souls, mental health counselors can show them changes they can make in their lives. By following specific steps, they will come to know that they don't have to stay in mental distress.

Resistance to change can also be caused by external factors, seemingly out of our control. This convinces us that we have no choice.

Attempting to hold on to a home that is going into foreclosure, because we have nowhere to go. At times we have no choice but to care for an elderly relative, even if it's someone we never got along with. When we look deeper however, we will find resistance to change. Why have you not been looking for another residence? are finances a factor? Are you sure there is no help available for an elderly relative? There are home care agencies that can at least check up on them. Have you asked a neighbor? Their kindness may surprise you.

One of the biggest roadblocks to change is fixation on reconciling with an estranged parent. This may paralyze you, keeping you in suspended animation for decades. Often people will spurn numerous opportunities to change, hoping that by staying the same they will be accepted and welcomed. On the flip side, they will stay in "rebel without a cause" mode, hoping this will finally get them the attention they never received while growing up.

Either one of these scenarios will stunt your growth, and inhibit change to a better life .