Everyone faces hard times, sooner or later. Whether it’s family conflict, divorce, the loss of a job or major illness, adjusting to new and difficult circumstances can be a challenge. Adjustment disorders, also called “stress response syndrome,” involve stress, anxiety and emotional disturbances that accompany problems adapting to major life events.[1] Right now the entire nation is experiencing a collective stress response syndrome as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to traumatically remake the face of daily life.
Common causes of an adjustment disorder include:
- Death of a loved one
- Relationship problems
- Divorce
- Relocation
- Work problems
- Loss of employment
- Major illness
- Money problems
- Sexuality
- Gender identity
Adjustment disorders due to a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation tend to arise from long-established conflicts involving a person’s self-concept. Although most adjustment disorders are short-term, adjustment disorders arising from issues of sexuality or gender can last for years.
Symptoms of adjustment disorder are often severe and life-disrupting. They include:
- Feelings of deep sadness
- Anxiety
- Stomach aches
- Restlessness
- Repetitive thoughts
- Feeling trapped, hopeless
- Heart flutters
- Crying spells
Adjustment disorders are more intense than regular anxiety or sadness and don’t go away on their own, but they rarely require long-term treatment with psychiatric medication. However, an adjustment disorder can turn into a depressive episode, so getting into therapy is imperative.
Psychotherapy is the preferred method of treating adjustment disorders. Therapy teaches a person better coping skills and helps to untangle the often powerful and conflicting emotions common to anxiety disorders.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to treat adjustment disorders. A therapist can help you understand how your thoughts and feelings about your situation can harm your ability to adapt. Therapy teaches a person to be aware of how their thoughts, values and perceptions can get in the way of dealing with a situation in a positive manner.
Adjustment disorders tend to last less than a year, as long as the stressor goes away. In situations where the stress is ongoing, therapy can be a lifesaver. Long-term stress can lead to chronic anxiety and depression.
During this uncertain and distressing time, Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.
[1] https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/11311000-000000000-00000