Psychologist Maria Echenique has analyzed the emotional impact of life transitions during an interview on radio station COPE Navarra in Pamplona, explaining how major personal and professional changes trigger anxiety.
Echenique, the director of Bicon Psicologia, spoke to broadcaster Alberto Sanz as the arrival of September marks the return to work and academic routines across Spain. She explained that life changes naturally generate discomfort because they involve unfamiliar situations that lie outside a person's routine control.
Even when a transition represents progress, Echenique noted that entering unknown territory produces a feeling of anxiety. To manage this emotional stress, she advocated for a balanced mindset combining self-confidence with reflective caution.
She emphasized that individuals should maintain belief in their own abilities while remaining cautious, acknowledging that they have much to learn while also holding valuable contributions to offer.
Managing workplace transitions and expectations
Echenique drew a clear distinction between voluntary life changes and those imposed by external circumstances, particularly within the workplace environment.
For chosen career transitions, she advised individuals to accept the emotional toll. She suggested framing the process by recognizing that while the transition causes temporary discomfort, it remains a necessary step toward achieving long-term goals.
When changes are imposed externally, Echenique recommended seeking professional guidance and specific tools to manage internal emotions effectively.
To prevent frustration after taking on a new job role, Echenique stressed the importance of establishing realistic goals that match the actual workplace context. She warned that a lack of proper perspective leads directly to feelings of helplessness and insisted that people must adjust their expectations to reflect their current situation.
Navigating relationship changes and parenthood
Beyond professional life, Echenique highlighted how personal relationships face decisive moments during major milestones such as moving in together, marriage, relationship breakups and the birth of children.
She explained that every relationship transition requires a unique process of adaptation. Sudden distance or disagreements between partners often stem from a clear lack of communication rather than the end of the relationship itself.
Addressing the experience of becoming a parent, Echenique warned against idealizing motherhood and fatherhood. She noted that exhausting and tiring days are an inevitable part of raising children, making it essential to avoid romanticizing the role.
To navigate parenthood healthily, she advised couples to re-adjust their personal schedules and rely consistently on each other for mutual support.
Relocation, social media and career stages
Relocating to another city or country represents another complex challenge that Echenique evaluated. Although moving involves significant effort, she noted that it brings substantial personal and professional growth over time, encouraging those with the desire to make the move.
She also cautioned against the influence of social media during major transitions, noting that roughly 90 percent of online content presents idyllic depictions of life. Echenique reminded audience members that social platforms showcase only the single best second or minute of someone's day, making comparisons unrealistic.
For students completing university and entering the labor market, Echenique addressed the anxiety caused by continuous evaluation during a key stage of personal maturity.
Regarding retirement, she warned of the sense of emptiness that can follow the end of a long work routine. She recommended building personal autonomy and developing hobbies, emphasizing that people must own their time and avoid depending on others to find new fulfillment.
Broadcaster and psychological practice context
COPE Navarra is part of Cadena COPE, one of Spain's major national radio networks, broadcasting news, talk shows and regional programming from its studios in Pamplona, the capital of Navarra.
Bicon Psicologia operates as a clinical psychology center providing therapeutic support, emotional management tools and guidance for individuals undergoing personal, family and workplace changes.
