Change can come in many shapes and sizes – new job, new school, new relationship or moving house - and with that can come anxiety.

As the end of the summer holidays fast approaching and many new circumstances ahead for so many local people, we take a look at the best ways to help you deal with change and lessen anxieties.

“As human beings, we’re good at many things, but sometimes dealing with change isn’t one of them. Change affects all of us differently - it can be exciting, invigorating and interesting... it can also be scary and challenging,” says Mandy Wiltshire, Solent Mind’s Training Coordinator.

“Sometimes change is difficult; otherwise, we would all change every unhealthy behaviour, habit, or pattern we’ve ever developed.”

Mandy advises a positive approach to change:

• Identify the change
• Identify and remove obstacles
• Set realistic goals
• Enlist support
• Take action

For soon to be Fareham resident Lois, handling the change that came with completing both her degrees has prepared her for the upcoming step of moving to a new town.

Lois explained: “I'm moving to an unfamiliar city, starting a new job (my first ever full-time job too) and I'm going to be living in a shared house with people I don't know.

“I'm excited for the opportunity to explore a new city, make new friends, start a job that I've always wanted to do but equally I'm anxious that I'll be far away from my family and that it's a lot of new things happening at once.”

After spending the last year at the University of Southampton earning her Masters in Clinical Psychology, her move to Fareham is to pursue her first post-graduate job in that field.

Lois credits the last year of her life with preparing with more than just the studies: “I suppose a similar example is starting university; I moved away from my family home to live in a new city with people I didn't know.  

“I think I handled the change/move with the second degree a lot better than the first. I felt more independent and confident so wasn't as worried. I'm probably more anxious with the current change in my life because it's more 'grown-up' having a full-time job, rather than just being a student.”

She puts an emphasis on the importance of self-care on getting her through the second go around at university, such as going on walks and to the gym, along with keeping to a routine.

“I've tried to make my environment similar to the one I've always had; so maybe decorating my room in a similar way, having the same foods, speaking to my family and friends on Facetime, trying to keep a similar routine.”

Are you also anxious about an upcoming change in the workplace? We offer a ‘Dealing with Change’ training course which gives you some techniques on how to deal with it in a positive way, send us a request on our website, or suggest it to your employer.