CHANGE… a word and concept that brings many mixed emotions to all of us. Change means shifting gears. It means that we might have to say some goodbyes, close some doors and chapters of our lives, and eventually, move on from what was once our “normal.” Unfortunately, many people have difficulty coping with change, myself included. As human beings, we often do not like saying goodbye. We don’t want to move on from things we have become so accustomed to. We are creatures of habit, and can’t stand the idea of change.

With this being said, though, it is crucial to realize that change is most certainly not always a bad thing. In fact, good things often come from it. New chapters of our lives mean new people, new opportunities, new ways of thinking, and so much more. Although change can feel scary at times, it is extremely important to realize that it is inevitable, and that we will all adapt eventually. Here are some tips to cope with change:

• Be in touch with yourself and your emotions. It is certainly OK to feel upset or saddened by change, and you should not deny these feelings. Denying the way you feel and rapidly trying to change it will only make things worse. To deal with change, you need to give yourself time; coming to accept things is often not an overnight process.
• Look for the good in every situation! Having optimism is SO important, especially during times of struggle. Instead of thinking of what could go wrong, start thinking about what will go right. While it does, indeed, close some doors of our lives, change also allows us to move on, and in a sense, start fresh. Make the most out of your new chapter, and think of all the good parts that can come out of it.
• Try to realize that change is always happening, no matter what. Do not fear change or try to run away from it; it is inevitable. Instead, try coming to terms with the fact that you cannot stop change from happening. By realizing this, you can cope much better once change comes, and you will be at peace with this concept.
• Refrain from constantly thinking about the past. That is definitely easier said than done, but it is incredibly important not only for dealing with change, but for going through life in general. By constantly thinking of your past experiences, you hinder your ability to move on, as you begin to live in the past and lose sight of what is ahead. It is OK to reminisce sometimes, but don’t let the past push its way into your present :).

All in all, we cannot stop change from happening. Many dislike this fact, however it is absolutely necessary to accept it and look for the positive factors. You are never alone in dealing with change – it is something that every individual on the planet must go through. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and always remember… change brings new and exciting things to our lives, and is often a blessing in disguise.

Some Quotes… 
“There is nothing permanent except change.”
-Heraclitus
“Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”
-Mandy Hale
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
-Socrates
“Things change and friends leave. Life doesn’t stop for anybody.”
-Stephen Chbosky

We are a group of students who deeply want to help young teenagers find a safe place in their minds. Our goal is to eliminate negative stigmas towards mental health and make it a topic that is thoroughly addressed and becomes normalized for everyone.