Survivor Guide to a New Chapter in Life

Photo Credit: Nathalia Segato on Unsplash

September 23, 2022 | Québec City, Capitale-Nationale, Québec

It has been almost a month since I moved to Québec City from Ottawa and the experience has been at times both exhilarating and overwhelming.

Before moving, I brainstormed all the possible feelings, challenges, opportunities that I could think of to minimise my anxiety over the transition. However, the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and workplace sometimes made me feel anxious to the point where I even considered going back to Ottawa or looking for another job. Ultimately, these considerations are just the way I was trying to cope with anxiety and homesickness.

If you ever struggled or you are currently struggling with a transition (moving, changing jobs, going to school etc.), here are some tips that helped me overcome feeling overwhelmed when navigating a new chapter of my life:

1- Let yourself feel your feelings. Anxiety is normal during transitions, so don’t beat yourself up about it. Let yourself cry if you need to. It helps relieve stress.

Photo Credit: Flora Janos

2- Journaling and brainstorming helps. Sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed, writing out my thoughts helps me to face my fears or challenges by writing out why I feel overwhelmed and then brainstorming ways to overcome them. Also, writing about why you are excited for a new experience can help you stay committed when you feel discouraged.

3- Find community. Reach out to people who are (or were) in the same boat as you. This helps so much! It can be easy to feel isolated in a new environment but having people who I could relate to made me feel like I am not alone. Knowing that they had similar struggles made my feelings seem normal and that it is just part of the process. Their enthusiasm and experiences helped me to look forward to new experiences and share a passion for adventure. We also have been exploring Québec City together. Finding English-speakers in my area who I can talk to and hang out with in my free time made me less homesick. Check out upcoming Y4Y Québec community events! Attending these events is a great way to meet others and find your local community. 

4- Discover your new environment. Researching what your new city, workplace or school has to offer is exciting and helps you to stay motivated through the early struggles of transition. I love art and museums, so I was very excited to research the museums and art galleries in Québec City. 

“Transitions can affect mental health. It is more than ok to ask for help when healthy coping mechanisms are not enough.”

5- Take care of your physical health. It is important to maintain a healthy immune system by getting enough sleep and eating well. Finding ways to exercise in your new area is a great way to stay healthy and get to know your city as well. 

6- Mental health is important. Transitions can affect mental health. It is more than ok to ask for help when healthy coping mechanisms are not enough.
Here is a link for an online and telephone support offered in English.

I hope these tips that helped me will be helpful for you too. I applaud your courage for taking on a new adventure and I wish you the best going forward.

Author
Flora Janos
Community Liaison (Québec City, Capitale-Nationale)
for Y4Y Québec