Think Differently with Dr. Theresa Haskins Triggered by Change: Why Life Transitions Feel So Hard
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Aug 28, 2025 Get ready to explore the challenges of life transitions as the season shifts. Discover how changing routines impact our brains, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Learn about the stress of unpredictability and how it can lead to overwhelm. Dr. Haskins emphasizes the power of pausing to regain clarity and highlights the importance of external supports for young adults finding their independence. With insights on compassion and reflection, this discussion encourages embracing change as a chance to create better rhythms in life.
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Why Transitions Are Truly Hard
- Transitions demand adaptive functioning and intentional effort to reorganize behavior and routines.
- When cognitive load exceeds working memory capacity, people freeze, forget, or shut down.
Predictability Conserves Mental Energy
- The brain prefers predictability and builds routines to conserve energy through mental shortcuts.
- Change causes cognitive disequilibrium, raising stress and cortisol because unpredictability feels like threat.
Small Changes Compound Into Overwhelm
- Fall layers many simultaneous changes — schedules, traffic, clothing, workplace urgency — increasing adjustment demands.
- That accumulation of small shifts taxes systems and produces a spinning, overwhelmed feeling.