The fear of change is a common feeling that everyone experiences at one point or another. However, for some people, this feeling can be so overwhelming that it keeps them from making progress in their lives. This is when it may be beneficial to seek help from a therapist to learn healthy ways to cope with this fear.
When a person is afraid of change, they are often scared of uncertainty. This is because the brain interprets uncertainty as a threat to survival. Therefore, the person who is afraid of change may avoid situations that require them to step out of their comfort zone because they do not want to deal with the uncertainty. For example, a person may feel overwhelmed when they are thinking about switching careers because they do not know how to transition into a new field or what type of work they will enjoy.
Another symptom of this fear is procrastinating making decisions. This is because the person with this fear is worried that they will choose the wrong path and regret their decision later on. In order to overcome this, the person who is afraid of change should focus on reducing their stress levels and reframe their thoughts. This will help them to make more informed choices and move forward with their life.
Some people have a fear of change due to their personal and/or family history. For instance, if someone grows up in an environment that is filled with negativity and cynicism, they may have developed a negative worldview that promotes the belief that everything will be dangerous or lead to bad outcomes. Therefore, they will have a hard time adjusting to new things or taking risks in their life because of this fear.
In addition, some people have a fear of change due to the way they were treated in their childhood. This is because they may have had a parent who was unsupportive or abusive, which can cause them to develop an insecurity that makes it difficult for them to trust others. Therefore, they will have a hard-time moving on from past relationships or embracing new opportunities.
How to Overcome Fear of Change
It is important for people who have a fear of change to realize that they are not alone and that this is a normal part of life. It is also important to recognize that this fear can be a sign of other underlying issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and other mental health concerns. In order to effectively manage this, it is recommended that people seeking help from a therapist who is certified in treating these conditions should consider Talkspace.
In conclusion, there are many ways that people can overcome their fear of change. This includes getting professional help, gathering the facts, having a plan in place, shifting your mindset, reflecting on positive experiences, building resilience, and cultivating optimism. If you are ready to tackle your fear of change, it may be beneficial to try starting small and gradually working your way up to more significant changes. For example, you might start by introducing one new habit in your life each week or trying something different at lunchtime. Each new experience will give you confidence to take on bigger challenges in the future. how to overcome fear of change