The Different Stages of Accepting Change
Change is something that happens to us all, some people love it and some don’t. Sadly change has been forced upon us all with COVID 19 and we wanted to help explain some of the feelings that some of you might all be trying to deal with at the moment, why they might be there and that there can be light at the end of the tunnel.
First, there is the shock of what has happened, perhaps feeling uncertain and scared about what may lie ahead. Then the denial that it really has happened and that it might just go away if you try not to focus on it too much. Frustration and anger can creep in as you may feel powerless against the change and you don’t want to make the changes that have been asked of you. Sadness may come over you as you may be feeling the loss of what once was and this can be in the form of low mood and even leading to depression. As time moves on you may be finding new ways to do things and being more open to what is occurring. Then is the realisation that you are going to make the decision to move forward and start to integrate with the changes that have been made and adapt to a new pathway.
This can be shown in the following diagram – the Change Curve, developed by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross to explain these stages.
This time has also been a real loss for a lot of people, eg the loss of a loved one or friend, a job, a colleague or freedom and often we move through the same stages as on the change curve. We can move up and down through the curve depending on what is happening in our lives. The main thing is to acknowledge that whatever you are feeling is OK and given time you will move through it.
We are all on the same sea just in different boats and so will move through the sea at a different pace. Some of us may be in stormier seas than others and we all just need to try and look for the lighthouse to help guide us in the right direction.
If you are a member of the Centre and think that you need some additional emotional support, please talk to your physio or contact the Centre by emailing info@chilternsmscentre.org or by phoning 01296 696133 to ask about our buddy scheme or counselling.