Written by Inna Abrogena
Adjustment disorder involves strong and distressing emotional and behavioral symptoms due to a stressful life event. The symptoms are due to having a challenging time coping however the reaction is exaggerated and much stronger than what is expected and the person’s ability to function daily is significantly impaired. This can develop for people at any age.
The cause of adjustment disorder
The causes of stress can be single or multiple events, but these stressors do not have to be traumatic events. Here are some examples:
– Death of a family member or friend
– Illness or other health issues in yourself or a loved one
– Family problems or conflict
– Relationship problems such as breakups, divorce, and marital issues
– General life changes (retiring, marriage, having a baby, etc.)
– Moving to a different home or a different city
– Unexpected disasters or tragedies
– Financial difficulties and worries about money
– Sexuality issues
– Work issues (job loss, failing to meet goals)
– Living in a crime-ridden area
Common symptoms of adjustment disorder
Adjustment disorder is a short-term condition. Symptoms usually occur soon after the stressful event and end within 6 months after. The symptoms are severe enough to affect work or social life. Here are the common symptoms:
– Being tired, but can’t sleep (insomnia)
– Body aches, headaches, or stomachaches and soreness
– Heart palpitations
– Sweating hands or trembling
– Acting rebellious, destructive, reckless or impulsive
– Being anxious or agitated, feeling trapped, hopeless
– Feeling overwhelmed and stressed
– Trouble concentrating
– Crying, feeling sad or hopeless, and possibly withdrawing from other people
– Lacking energy or enthusiasm; loss of self-esteem
– Loss of interest in everyday activities
– Changes in eating habits
– Abusing alcohol or drugs
– Having suicidal thoughts or behaviors
How can I cope with adjustment disorder?
If you have been diagnosed with adjustment disorder, there are many ways to manage your symptoms and help you go back to a similar level of daily functioning as before.
First, you can improve your symptoms by prioritizing self-care with some encouragement and help from your family and friends. Self-care involves taking care of your physical health and hygiene such as maintaining healthy habits (sleeping and eating on time, and exercising) and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Creating a daily routine can help you cope and adjust to the change/s in your life. Self-care also covers mindfulness and being more present in the moment rather than being preoccupied with stressful events. You can try going for a walk, stretching, hobbies (music, cooking, drawing, reading, watching a movie). These activities are not only fun or distracting but they also help you get unstuck from feeling depressed or overwhelmed.
Second, you can get support from self-help groups or community groups for social support and help you get back to social activities. Finally, you can also seek mental health professionals who can do counseling or talk therapy with you to help you manage your symptoms better.
References:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000932.htm#:~:text=Adjustment%20disorder%20is%20a%20group,type%20of%20event%20that%20occurred
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21760-adjustment-disorder
https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/mental-health-disorders/anxiety-and-stress-related-disorders/adjustment-disorder
