Adjustment Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Cope with Life Changes

Life changes—even positive ones—can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a new job, a move, a breakup, or a loss, adjusting isn’t always easy.

If you’re feeling anxious, withdrawn, or emotionally overwhelmed after a major change, you may be experiencing adjustment disorder. The good news is that it’s treatable—and support can make a meaningful difference.

How Life Changes Can Trigger Emotional Distress

Major life changes are a type of stressor, which, according to Dr. Steve Bressert in a PsychCentral post, “is anything that causes a great deal of stress in the person’s life.”

Even when a change or life transition is a welcome one that you have been hoping for—such as graduation from school, getting a promotion at work, or the birth of a child—it can still overwhelm you and be a source of pressure and/or worry.

This experience can be much more troubling when the change is traumatic or painful. No amount of preparation can make you ready for something like the loss of a loved one, ending of a relationship, the collapse of a career etc.

Unfortunately, change is part of life, it is unavoidable. Our lives will always be subject to change. You have the ability to adjust to these changes, though it may be complicated by an adjustment disorder.

What is Adjustment Disorder? 

“Adjustment disorder is a short-term condition,” says WebMD. It is also technically known as “stress response syndrome.”  

Adjustment disorder is a short-term mental health condition that occurs when we have difficulty coping with a significant life change or stressor. Symptoms typically begin within three months of the event and can include anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm.

What Causes an Adjustment Disorder?

As we previously discussed, change can be really hard. Adjustment disorders can be triggered by many different things like: 

  • Loss of a loved one
  • Divorce or relationship changes
  • Job loss or career transitions
  • Moving or relocation
  • Health issues or medical diagnoses
  • Major life transitions (positive or negative)

Common Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder

Common symptoms of Adjustment Disorders can include:

  • Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
  • Anxiety or excessive worry
  • Sadness or hopelessness
  • Withdrawal from relationships
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep disturbances

How is Adjustment Disorder diagnosed? 

Are you just having difficulty adjusting to a change, or do you have an adjustment disorder? Since it can be combined with other emotional conditions, you will need a professional to assess your symptoms to say for certain. It is always best to consult with a professional as opposed to self-diagnosing.

For instance, sadness, hopelessness, and feeling withdrawn can be observed when adjustment disorder is combined with depression. On the other hand, restlessness, muscle tension, and insomnia can be evident when it’s combined with anxiety. If you are suffering from any of these six conditions, it is possible for you to experience different symptoms. Hence, the best way to address the condition is to consult a mental health professional.

Treatment for Adjustment Disorder

You can recover from adjustment disorder with the right kind of intervention. Seeking treatment sooner rather than later can lead to a quicker recovery. 

Effective treatment for adjustment disorders can include: 

When to Seek Professional Help 

Your mental health matters. If what you have read so far resonates with you, it may be time to reach out for help. You don’t have to wait until things feel completely unmanageable. 

Anyone can experience an adjustment disorder. It can be difficult to cope with change and adjust in a way you feel good about. Change is inevitable but suffering is not. If you are overwhelmed by what’s happening in your life, whether it is a positive or negative change, find a healthy way to handle it with Carolina Counseling Services in Pittsboro, North Carolina. 

You Don’t Have to Navigate Life Changes Alone

If you’re struggling to adjust to a major life change, support can help you regain balance and confidence. At Carolina Counseling Services, our contracted therapists work with you to understand what you’re going through and develop effective coping strategies. 

Call today to get started.

Our Pittsboro Office is conveniently located, serving not only Pittsboro but also Goldston, Cary, Siler City, Carrboro, Apex and surrounding areas. Online appointments are also available making getting the quality treatment you deserve – anywhere in North Carolina- easier than ever before!

Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), Tricare, Medicaid, Medicare and many more.

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