Why is Change so Difficult?
Resistance to Change
Several sources speak to the process of change, factors preventing change, and determinants of change. With copious studies and research to mull over, it raises the question, why exactly is change so incredibly hard. At City Psychiatry Inc we understand how difficult change can be and we are here to help you navigate the process. Contact us today at 18135990159 to discover more. Our team at, CityPsychiatryInc, is prepared to answer your questions.
Fear of the Unknown and Creatures of Habit
Anxiety can best be described as fear of the unknown. Whether brooding thoughts from past encounters or forecasting future events, these anxious thought patterns are all based upon unknowns. Cognitive, environmental, behavioral, evolutionary, and personal factors all contribute to this fear. Maladaptive cognition such as catastrophizing and ruminating may be the result of untreated anxiety or past trauma. The process of change may be avoided because of a lack of information, limited resources, anxiety, past experience, lack of trust, and energy. Change is uncomfortable, it requires work, and it may be dependent upon accessibility or monetary input. Anxiety is often associated with a previous struggle with change, failure or even fear of failure, as well as a shift in status. Sticking with what is familiar does not require additional effort or discomfort and it is not associate with new failure. There is comfort in familiarity and predictability because it does not require additional cognitive load. This repetition leads to a habit and a sense of security. Even if a habit is painful; at least it is familiar. It requires no additional responsibility than what has already been instilled into it. Therefore, there is less anxiety associated with it.
Negative Past Experiences Reinforce Resistance
Not only does our biological make up shape who we are and the way we process information; past experiences mold us for better and for worse. Whether good or bad; environment factors, both past and current, influence perception and determine our response to future contact. Prior struggles reinforce previous neutral or bad memories and persuade how we think about future prospects. A negative past experience may provoke anxiety. This anxiety is uncomfortable and thereby resistance is met. Negative memories are found to be durable and accessible as they are linked to increased arousal of emotional response and the release of stress hormones at the time of the event. These memories are automatically prioritized in our brain for survival. It is true, victims of sexual/physical trauma and intimate partner violence often return to abusive relationships and may even realize some identification with their aggressor. Not only may they cope by way of developing compassion or humanity for their abuser, they may resist leaving abusive scenarios based upon familiarity and perceived safety. Survivors of both primary and secondary trauma may demonstrate resistance through avoidant behaviors. This is observed in post-traumatic stress disorder were the survivor avoids similar situation as a way of managing the stressor. Likewise, survivors of trauma may be triggered by familiar stimuli and either a response is elicited (fight/flight/or freeze) or resistance is met. While resistance provides temporary relief of symptoms, it reinforces fear and interferes with healing.
Embracing Positive Change
Embracing positive change comes by virtue of forming new habits and apply effective coping strategies. While some literature suggest it takes twenty-one days to create a habit, this is not always the case. The length of time to make change “the new normal” ranges between three weeks to several months and is dependent upon complexity, environment, and sheer determination. One strategy instrumental to successfully embracing positive change includes limiting dwelling on what can and cannot be controlled. There is power in acceptance. Of course, this does not mean being okay with injustice or complacency. Instead, this type of acceptance is having insight into what we have control over and accepting what we do not. It is also beneficial to accept the uniqueness of each individual and their tolerance for change. The power that comes by way of acceptance allows up to move forward and find both peace and healing.
Practicing self-care is also vital to manifesting positive change. There are several self-care practices paving a pathway to positive change. Limiting exposure to social media and news sources, taking time for rest, having proper nutrition and exercise, and maintaining healthy boundaries are all key to positive transformation. In addition, learning new skills not only improves cognitive functioning; it promotes resilience, provides a sense of purpose, and fosters adaptability. The invaluable benefits of embracing positive change are acceptance, understanding, and improved self-confidence.
It’s all About Prospective
Although beliefs provide meaning and purpose, they may also distort perspective and prevent change. Thoughts, whether positive or negative, lead to an emotional response and impact mood. Although positive thoughts are linked to acceptance and higher self-esteem, negative thoughts lower mood and in turn elicit more negative thoughts. These patterns become a vicious cycle often described as: going down a rabbit hole, spiraling, or into the thick of it. This spiraling can be paralyzing and lead to a loss of hope. Beliefs and automatic negative thoughts can distort your perspective, making challenges seem worse than they are. This can erode self-esteem and coping abilities over time. Negative thought processes may be the result of past trauma and/or personal beliefs. Not only does trauma affect mental, physical, and emotional well-being, it leaves an imprint on its survivor. In addition, it may change beliefs and future prospective.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
The ultimate goal in the treatment of mental and physical health at CityPsychiatryInc is focusing on the root cause of discord, while maintaining the patient’s autonomy, and optimizing results. We do not simply aim to alleviate symptoms, although this is important and likely the reason for seeking treatment, we strive to explore the underlying cause of unrest and support the individual. Our team works alongside you through the evaluation, planning, implementation phases of change. This endeavor leads to healing and wellness and ultimately gets you to the results you are looking for.
Embracing Positive Change
By nurturing comprehensive care, City Psychiatry Inc is prepared to motivate and guide you through the process of change. Our team works alongside you providing evidence-based endorsements and encouraging feedback. Are you intrigued and ready to discover how you can overcome resistance to change today? Contact CityPsychiatryInc today at 1(813)5990159 to find out more.
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Williams SE, Ford JH, Kensinger EA. The power of negative and positive episodic memories. Cogn Affect Behav Neurosci. 2022 Oct;22(5):869-903. doi: 10.3758/s13415-022-01013-z. Epub 2022 Jun 14. PMID: 35701665; PMCID: PMC9196161.