There are times when people struggle to cope with major changes in their lives. This can be a job loss, moving, a relationship breakup, or a new and challenging diagnosis.
When this occurs, stress may take root and make it all seem so much worse.
This is what an adjustment disorder appears to be like.
What Is an Adjustment Disorder?
Adjustment disorder is experienced when an individual is undergoing chronic stress and finds it hard to cope with changes in life.
The amount of personal response to the stressor is larger than that which the situation demands, and it begins to disrupt your daily life in a huge manner.
The fact is, people may become stressed by significant changes in life.
With an adjustment disorder, however, you are carrying that stress and it is also clear that you find it hard to work or have a good balance in your relationships, or cope with your daily life.
Signs You Might Be Struggling
Adjustment disorders present themselves differently in people. A few examples are:
Emotional symptoms:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or crying more than usual
- You may become worried (even about minor things)
- Tasks and chores can feel overwhelming
- You may cease to be interested in things that used to be enjoyable
Behavioral changes:
- You may become isolated from friends and family
- This includes more than normal absences from work or school
- You may exhibit irresponsible or reckless behavior
- You may experience insomnia or oversleep
Physical symptoms:
- You may be fatigued and tired
- You may undergo changes in your appetite
- You could suffer from headaches or stomachaches
These symptoms appear within three months of experiencing a stressful event. Having adjustment disorders means that the stress affects your life in a majorly disruptive way.
What Triggers It?
While some people, having experienced the episode of stress, are able to quickly bounce back, others are not able to recover in the same way.
The extent to which an individual is altered post an encounter with a stressful episode is determined by the following factors:
Common triggers include:
- Breakups or divorce
- Losing a job or having financial difficulties
- Moving
- Getting a diagnosis
- Having an illness
- Death of a closed one
- Major changes – retirement or becoming a parent
Ways to Cope
Without support, adjustment disorders become problematic, but with sufficient assistance, the majority of people are able to overcome the disorder.
The following factors prove to be contributory in overcoming the disorder:
Talking to a professional.
Having a mental health provider to talk to helps in developing more positive ways of coping.
Leaning on your support system.
Friends, family members or members of a solid support group can be very helpful. They can remind you that you are not alone in this.
Covering the basics.
When the stress levels are high, then you need to rest, work out and eat well. These basics should not be overlooked.
Starting small.
You do not need to make all these changes once; you may leave your comfort zone bit by bit, and gradually it is okay. Take your time.
Allow yourself to process everything.
You should not act like things are easy and you should not pretend like nothing is wrong.
You can allow yourself to be honest about things being hard at the moment.
Get Support
The struggle with the change is not a sign that something is wrong with you. We are all human.
At Liberty Behavioral Healthcare LLC, we offer individualized treatment to you in our office in Lanham, Maryland.
In case you are experiencing endless stress, getting assistance may alter the situation. You deserve support.
Reach out to Liberty Behavioral Healthcare LLC today.
FAQs
How long does an adjustment disorder last?
With treatment, the majority of individuals tend to feel better within six months. If the stress remains, it is possible for the symptoms to last longer.
Is this the same as depression?
Not exactly. The adjustment disorder is attached to a certain event, and typically, it gets better after you learn how to adapt to the change.
Can this happen to anyone?
Yes. There are no requirements, and it is not dependent on someone’s past or who is involved. Anyone can develop an adjustment disorder.
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