A life change or event is considered to be an occurrence that is likely to bring about temporary or permanent readjustment and would require a change in usual activities or routine (Holmes & Rahe 1967). At some point in life we all experience changes which can be difficult or stressful to cope with. In most cases, we cope with these changes and adapt accordingly. However, sometimes the stress and anxiety of these events can get too much. It is important to remember that feelings of being overwhelmed by events can be in response to positive life changes such as getting married.

In general, negative life changes tend to have a negative impact on your overall wellbeing and positive changes tend to have a positive impact. However, an overall increase in the number of changes experienced in general, can increase your risk for more negative outcomes even if some of these events are considered to be positive (Cleland, Kearns, Tannahill & Ellaway 2016).

Life changes which are difficult to cope with or adjust to can cause higher levels of stress. They can also lead to the development of unhelpful coping behaviours such as poor diet choices, lack of sleep, isolation and an increase in consumption of drugs or alcohol. Life changes can also have a negative impact on our immune systems. To read more about stress and how to cope with it see here or here.