Liminal Space: How It Affects Your Mental Health

Table of contents 

• Liminal space

• Characteristics of Liminal Space

• Types of liminal spaces

• How Liminal Space Affects Mental Health?

• Techniques for moving out of Liminal Space

• FAQ on Liminal Space

Introduction 

Life is full of transitions, whether it’s starting a new job, moving to a new city, or ending a relationship. These transitional periods are known as liminal spaces, and they can have a significant impact on our mental health. 

When going through a significant life shift, the majority of people experience extreme overwhelm and confusion. Their feelings are unrefined, exposed, and unsteady. Yet if we're being completely honest, the majority of us will accept almost any response in order to escape the discomfort of a liminal state. 

The Latin word 'limen,' which signifies threshold, is the source of the word 'liminal. The interval between "what was" and "next" is referred to as a liminal space. It is a time of change, a waiting period, and an uncertain future. 

In this article, we will tell you more about what liminal space is and how it affects your mental health.

Liminal Space

Every day, people go through innumerable physical and mental liminal spaces without giving them much thought. Liminal space refers to a space or phase where one is in-between two distinct states of being. It's a place where you have left behind the old and are moving towards the new. 

The term "liminal" comes from the Latin word "limen," which means threshold. Liminal space can occur in many different situations in life, from starting a new job to recovering from an illness. 

For the majority of people, being in a liminal place can be extremely uncomfortable. The liminal space is anything but the homeostasis and predictability that our brains yearn for. If you let them, liminal areas can have a negative impact on your mental health. You will undoubtedly come across a variety of liminal zones in your life. Life is really just the transitional period between birth and death.

Characteristics of Liminal Space

One of the defining characteristics of liminal space is uncertainty. When we are in a transitional period, we are often unsure of what the future holds, and this uncertainty can be stressful and anxiety-provoking. We may feel like we are in a state of limbo, unable to fully embrace the new while still mourning the loss of the old.

Types of liminal spaces 

Although the idea of liminality may be simpler to comprehend on a physical level, it is more likely that you will experience liminal space psychologically. Yet, it's critical to understand how the three differ from one another.

Physical Liminal Space

Probably the simplest way to comprehend a liminal space is physically. You frequently don't notice physical liminal places since you only visit them briefly, despite the fact that you are constantly in them.

Imagine a staircase. You use a staircase to get from one floor to another, and you frequently don't give it much thought. What happens, though, if you become trapped in a stairwell? Afterwards, your mind may begin to spin with images from scary films.Here are some other examples of physical liminal spaces:

• Airports

• Hallways

• Doorways 

• Trains

• Airplanes 

• Bridges

Emotional Liminal Space 

Life transitions or milestones frequently come with emotional liminal periods. For instance, the transition from childhood to adulthood is a difficult liminal place (unless adolescence came naturally to you in which case you're obviously some kind of unicorn).

A liminal space is a term used to describe the emotional interval that exists between the conclusion of one phase of a person's life and the start of the subsequent one. Many other transitions that go along with emotional liminal states include:

• Graduation

• Moving out of home

• Marriage

• Break-up

• Divorce

• Pregnancy

• Birth

• Diagnosis of a serious illness

• Career change

• Retirement

• Death

Metaphorical Liminal Space

If someone is wavering between two concepts, there is a liminal gap metaphorically speaking. An effective analogy for this is a trapeze. As you wait to make the transition from one place to another after jumping from the platform, you are literally hanging through the air.

The idea of needing to decide between two options can also cross your mind. The decision of whether to spend the evening with your romantic partner or your best buddy may need to be made. You are in a liminal state up until you choose a decision.

How Liminal Space Affects Mental Health?

The experience of liminal space can have a significant impact on our mental health. Here are some ways it can affect us:

Anxiety and Stress:

Uncertainty and ambiguity can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. When we are unsure of what the future holds, we may feel like we are not in control of our lives, which can be unsettling.

Loss and Grief:

Liminal space often involves a loss of some kind, whether it's the loss of a job, a relationship, or a way of life. This loss can be difficult to process, and we may feel a sense of grief or sadness as we mourn what we have lost.

Identity Crisis:

Liminal space can also lead to an identity crisis. When we are in transition, we may question who we are and what we want out of life. This can be especially challenging if we have defined ourselves by our job or relationship, and now that is no longer a part of our lives.

Self-Doubt:

Liminal space can also lead to self-doubt. When we are in transition, we may question our abilities and our worth. We may wonder if we are making the right decision or if we are capable of handling the challenges ahead.

Techniques for moving out of Liminal Space

So, how can we navigate liminal space and support our mental health during these transitional periods? Here are some strategies:

• Embrace the uncertainty: Instead of trying to control or resist the uncertainty of liminal space, try to embrace it. Recognize that uncertainty is a natural part of life and that it can lead to growth and new opportunities.

• Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is crucial during times of transition. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. Additionally, find ways to relax and destress, whether it's through meditation, yoga, or other activities that bring you joy.

• Seek support: It's important to have a support system during times of transition. Reach out to friends and family for support, or consider working with a therapist or counselor who can help you navigate the challenges of liminal space.

• Focus on the present moment: When we are in liminal space, it's easy to get caught up in worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Instead, try to focus on the present moment. Engage in activities that bring you joy, and try to find meaning and purpose in your current situation.

Liminal space is a natural part of life, and it can have a significant impact on our mental health. By embracing uncertainty, practicing self-care, seeking support, and focusing on the present moment, we can navigate liminal space with greater ease

Take Home Points

• Liminal space is a time of transition between two different stages or states of being.

• It can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, self-doubt, and depression.

• However, liminal space can also be a time for self-discovery, creativity, resilience, and new opportunities.

• Strategies for navigating liminal space include embracing uncertainty, practicing self-care, seeking support, and practicing acceptance.

• Mindfulness can be a helpful tool during liminal space, as it can help to reduce anxiety and stress, and increase resilience.

• Seeking support can be helpful during liminal space, as it can provide individuals with a sense of connection and validation.

References

• Bridges, W. (2004). Transitions: Making sense of life’s changes. Da Capo Press.

• Edwards, M. (2016). Finding the gold in liminal space. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 18(2), 87-97.

• Ford, J. (2018). Liminality: A bridge to transformation. Psychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia, 6(1), 1-9.

• Harper, C. (2018). Living in liminal space. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 20(2), 120-129.

• Neumann, L. (2014). Liminality and the space between: Reflections on the significance of liminal experiences. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 54(2), 181-198.

• Prendergast, M., Giesbrecht, N., & Sykes, E. (2017). Mindfulness, self-compassion, and empathy among health care professionals: A review of the literature. Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy, 23(3), 95-108.