Mental health care for your individual needs
Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, we struggle to adapt. Are you struggling to adapt to the changes in your life? When stressful life events overwhelm our coping mechanisms, an adjustment disorder can occur. These mental health conditions are characterized by excessive emotional or behavioral responses to stressful situations, causing significant distress and impairing daily functioning, relationships, work, families and more.
Understanding Adjustment Disorders
Recognizing the Signs:
Symptoms of adjustment disorders typically begin within three months of the stressful event and can last up to six months. They may include:
Emotional Symptoms:
- Depressed mood, sadness, or hopelessness.
- Anxiety, worry, or nervousness.
- Irritability, anger, or hostility.
- Feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
- Crying spells or tearfulness.
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Social withdrawal or isolation.
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
- Increased substance use or alcohol consumption.
- Difficult fulfilling responsibilities at work or school
- Engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors.
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue.
Understanding Different Subtypes:
- Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood:
- Symptoms: Feeling sad, hopeless, or experiencing a loss of interest in activities.
- Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety:
- Symptoms: Excessive worry, nervousness, and restlessness due to a stressful life event.
- Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood:
- Symptoms: A combination of anxiety and depressive feelings following a significant life stressor.
- Adjustment Disorder with Disturbance of Conduct:
- Symptoms: Behaving disruptively or engaging in conduct issues due to a stressful event.
- Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct:
- Symptoms: A blend of emotional and behavioral difficulties in response to life stressors.
