Life-stage transitions

Published 25 January 2024

Change is an inevitable, necessary and often positive part of life. Sometimes however, major changes or life stage transitions (especially unexpected ones) such as moving and changing schools, or starting university/TAFE, can become overwhelming and stressful. It is important that students learn how to cope and adapt to change to maintain optimal physical health and mental wellbeing.

Difficult life stage transitions include:

  • changing schools

  • starting high school, university or TAFE

  • moving to a new area or different country

  • starting employment.

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What are life-stage transitions?

Life-stage transitions may include things like moving schools, starting or finishing university or TAFE, starting a new job, adjusting to chronic illness, moving away from friends or family etc. They can have a serious impact on general health and wellbeing.

Adjusting to change is important, and something that many young people may struggle with. Life changes that are not in the person's control, such as being forced to change schools or relocate, can be especially unsettling and difficult to adjust to.

Students often face many challenges at school and when they transition to university, TAFE and/or employment. Difficulties making friends, adjusting to new rules, experiences with bullying or discrimination and feeling overwhelming exam or job-related stress are common experiences.

Signs and symptoms someone is not coping well with change:

  • feeling like they can’t cope, either with a specific problem or task, or just in general

  • constantly feeling under pressure or that they are being weighed down by others

  • feeling lost and unsure of oneself

  • feeling anxious, irritable, moody or upset much of the time

  • exhaustion

  • not wanting to engage in social activities or attending school

  • difficulty sleeping or restless sleep.

How students can manage life-stage transitions

There are many things that young people can do to manage change and minimise stress and uncertainty. Focusing on understanding the change, what it means for the person and why it is so stressful is an important first step.

Another useful step is to focus on the potential positive outcomes or things associated with the change, for example, having to start at a new school can be a great opportunity to make new friends, and doesn't necessarily mean ending existing friendships.

Specific plans can be made according to what is stressful about a situation. For example, if a person is feeling isolated or lonely because they have transitioned to a new school, especially if they have had to relocate to attend, then joining a club or starting a new hobby may be a good way to meet new people.

Other general relaxation techniques, such as breathing and mindfulness exercises are effective tools in managing and overcoming stress. In the event of bullying and discrimination, talking with someone trusted about how to manage the situation (which may involve talking to a teacher or those bullying), and how it is making the person feel can be helpful.

ReachOut.com resources on life-stage transitions

What can I do now?

  • Reassure the person that it is natural and common to experience difficulty and anxiety with change.

  • Encourage the student to keep problems in perspective, without sounding as though you are dismissing the issue at hand.

  • Try out classroom activities on mental health, resilience and careers with students.

  • Suggest or brainstorm useful coping strategies.

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              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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