Getting back into the swing of things after the diversion of a summer schedule can be difficult across generations. Whether it is butterflies about a new school and the anxiety associated with making new friends and wondering about how you will fit in, or, being concerned about how you will do at your new job, it’s all stressful. It might be helpful to take a look at your personal summer transition situation and see how you do are doing. We have listed some typical “Summer’s End” transitions below for you to think about.
- Beginning a new middle school or high school.
- Starting college for the first time.
- Pledging a sorority or fraternity.
- Moving away from home.
- Moving away without being able to take your car.
- Starting a new job.
- Relocating for a new job.
- Friends moving away to go to college or work while you are staying at home.
- Children going back to school.
- Children going to new school.
- Spouse or significant other beginning a new or different career.
- Returning to college or work after a period of time out of the academic or work world.
- Changing living arrangements.
- Financial issues associated new choices and needs.
- Clothes needs associated with new job or school and Fall Fashion
These things may seem insignificant unless you are the one experiencing them. Yet, even then, it is often difficult for many people to give themselves permission to acknowledge that they are concerned, stressed, or worried. Many hold the belief that “It would seem they should be thrilled that they have such an opportunity” and also believe that they need to be grateful for the changes that are happening. Although there may be truth in this line of thinking there is still a realistic trend for anxiety to be normal. It helps to remember that feelings are neither good nor bad, they just are. Exploring the thoughts that precede the feelings are important to help gain an understanding of the causes of the feelings.
Additional struggles come when there is an eating disorder present. Those who experience Anorexia, Bulimia, or Binge Eating Disorders have an exponential or “times 100” type of burden. Not only is there the everyday layer of worry, anxiety, dread, or excitement, there is the eating disorder contribution of distorted thinking and uncomfortable feelings that are connected to the summer transitions. No longer is the typical “oh I’m not sure I will make friends” but instead, there is the eating disorder response of “No one is going to want to be with you if you don’t lose weight”. The negative cognitive distortions never cease when an eating disorder is present. Please remember that Summer’s End can bring opportunities and memories, and that no one deserves to struggle with an eating disorder’s misinterpretation. Please seek help and remember you are worthy of Recovery!
Sincerely,
Lynda A. Brogdon, Ph.D., C.E.D.S., C.E.A.P.
Call us today at 1-800-236-7524!
Canopy Cove’s Eating Disorder Treatment Programs offer compassionate, comprehensive treatment for females, males, adolescents, and adults, who are struggling with Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorders and Co-Existing Diabetes, Depression, and Anxiety. Equine-Assisted Therapy is an weekly part of the Recovery process at Canopy Cove.