Topics · Nicosia
When a change is harder than you expected
Moving house, starting a new school, a separation or a new job all change our daily life. It is normal to need time. Sometimes, though, settling in gets stuck and a little help makes a difference.
What adjustment difficulties are
Every big change brings pressure, even when it is something we wanted. Usually, within a few weeks or months, we find our rhythm again.
We talk about adjustment difficulties when someone's reaction to a change is stronger or lasts longer than might be expected, and it starts to affect work, school or relationships. It is not a weakness. It is a sign that what has changed is a lot to carry on your own.
Changes that often feel hard
Adjustment difficulties affect children, teenagers and adults. Some changes that often cause upheaval are:
- Moving to another town or another country
- A new school, or the move to secondary school or university
- Separation or divorce, for parents and for children
- A new job, losing a job or retiring
- The birth of a baby or a new brother or sister
- A diagnosis or a health problem
Signs you may notice
After the change you may often feel sad, worried or irritable, sleep badly or find it hard to concentrate. Some people withdraw from others, while others feel they cannot keep up with everyday tasks.
In children the signs often show in behaviour: more outbursts, tears, refusing to go to school, tummy aches or going back to habits from when they were younger. Teenagers may shut down or become sharper with you. At times like this, children need extra routine, simple explanations and time with you.
How we can help
Psychological support can help you understand what is hardest about the change, put your feelings into words and find ways to rebuild your daily life. Many people find that a little support at the right moment makes the transition gentler.
At Safe Space Psychology Center in Latsia, we offer individual sessions for adults, children and teenagers, counselling sessions, couples therapy and family sessions. Sessions take place in person or online, privately or through GeSY, in Greek, English or Romanian. This can also help people who have moved to Cyprus from another country.
Your first session
In the first session you will talk about the change you are going through, how you are feeling and what you would like to be different. You do not need to have the answers ready. You set the pace, and what you share stays confidential.
If the change affects the whole family, you can come together or start on your own, and we can decide along the way who else it would help to involve.
When to get help straight away
If you or someone close to you feels hopeless, is thinking about self-harm or is in immediate danger, do not wait. Call 112 or go to the A&E department of your nearest hospital.
Frequently asked questions
How long is it normal to take to adjust?
There is no single rule for everyone. If the difficulties are not easing with time, or they start to affect your work, school or relationships, it is worth talking to a professional.
We have recently moved to Cyprus. Can we talk in our own language?
Sessions are available in Greek, English or Romanian. Ask us when you call and we will let you know what is possible.
Our child is struggling since we separated. Who should come?
You can start with a session for you as parents. Then we can look together at whether working with your child, with the family, or both, would help most.
Other topics we work with
Sources and further reading
- World Health Organization: Stress (questions and answers)
- American Psychological Association: Stress
- NHS: Stress, anxiety and depression
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a psychologist or doctor.