Are you having a hard time with a big change in your life? Let's talk about Adjustment Disorders

Have you ever felt like you had a hard time adjusting to a sudden change, stress, or shock in your life? Sometimes, even the smallest things bring tears to your eyes, and you feel very sad and disappointed. Or you act in a way that doesn't matter. If this has happened to you, you may be experiencing a mental health condition called Adjustment Disorder. Don't worry, let's talk about this simply.

Simply put, what is Adjustment Disorder?

Adjustment disorder is a temporary change in our mood and behavior in response to a stressful event or shock in our lives. It can make you react more quickly or more painfully than you normally would. It's like your mind screaming, "I can't handle this."

Imagine that you have lost a loved one, lost your job, or failed a big exam. It is normal to feel sad and upset at such times. But if that sadness and upset go beyond normal levels and affect you to the point where you are unable to perform your daily activities (going to school, going to work, doing household chores), it may be an adjustment disorder.

Some doctors also call this "situational depression." That is, it is a temporary depression-like condition caused by a certain event. The important thing is that this condition usually subsides within about 6 months.

Are there main types of adjustment disorders?

Yes, this condition can be divided into several main types depending on how it affects you. Your doctor will determine which type it falls into based on your symptoms.

What causes this?

There is no single cause for an adjustment disorder. It varies from person to person. But in general, anything that makes a big difference in life or puts pressure on the mind can cause it. It doesn't matter if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

Here are some examples:

• Changes in relationships: breakup of a romantic relationship, marriage, divorce, family disputes.
• Problems at work or school: losing a job, moving to a new job, failing exams, being bullied at school.
• Health problems: Learning that you have a serious illness, an accident that could happen to you or someone in your family.
• Big life changes: retirement, having a child, moving into a new home.
• Sad events: Death of a loved one.
• Financial problems: Large debt burden, economic difficulties.
• Other things: Facing a natural disaster.

Sometimes this can be caused by a single event like this. Other times, it can arise when a lot of small stresses accumulate and your tolerance level is exceeded.

What are these Triggers?

Triggers are things that remind you of the stressful event. Seeing or hearing something like that can make your mind go back to that old state. This could be anything.

• Seeing an old photo.
• Hearing a song.
• Sensing a certain smell or taste of food.
• Going back to where that incident happened.

Could this situation get worse?

Yes. If Adjustment Disorder is not treated properly, it can lead to serious complications.

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide: This is the most dangerous thing.
• Substance use disorder: Some people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the stress they are experiencing.
• Other mental illnesses: If it persists for a long time, this can lead to other conditions such as Major Depression or Anxiety Disorder.

How does a doctor diagnose this?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will ask you about your symptoms, any recent changes in your life, and give you a physical exam. Then, if necessary, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Psychiatrists use several specific criteria to diagnose this disorder. The main ones are:

• Did your symptoms appear within 3 months of the stressful event?
• Is your reaction (sadness, anger, fear) much greater than would normally be expected for such an event?
• Have these symptoms had a major impact on your daily work and relationships ?
• Don't these symptoms fit with the symptoms of another mental illness?
• Is this different from the normal grieving process that occurs when a loved one dies?

The doctor will decide whether you have an adjustment disorder after considering all of these factors.

What are the treatments for this?

The good news is that this is a treatable condition. Treatment options can be divided into two main categories.

1. Psychotherapy:

Simply put, this is a "talking therapy." Counseling is also called this. Here, a trained professional (therapist) talks with you, helping you to face and manage your stress, and to identify your thoughts and feelings.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a very effective method. It teaches you how to identify your negative thought patterns and change them.
• Family therapy: Family support is very important, especially if a child or young person has this condition. This type of therapy can help with that.
• Group therapy: You can get a lot of relief from talking to other people who are having the same problems as you.

2. Medications:

Not everyone needs medication. But if your symptoms are very severe, for example, you are not sleeping well, have severe anxiety or depression, your doctor may prescribe medication for a short period of time.

• Antidepressants: For symptoms such as sadness and depression.
• Anti-anxiety medications: For symptoms such as fear and anxiety.

What can I do to get out of this situation?

While undergoing treatment, there are many things that can help you on this journey.

• Talk to a trusted friend or family member: Share your feelings with a trusted friend or family member. Sharing your feelings can be a great relief.
• Self-care: Take some time each day to do something you enjoy. Read a book, listen to a song, watch a movie, take a short walk in the garden.
• Healthy lifestyle: Eat as many nutritious foods as possible, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and get some exercise. Even walking is good.
• Get good sleep: Get into the habit of going to bed at the same time every day and waking up at the same time.
• Join a support group: You'll feel less alone when you're surrounded by people who understand your problems.

Although it is not possible to prevent this condition 100%, things like maintaining strong social relationships and learning ways to manage stress can reduce the risk of this condition occurring in the future.

Adjustment Disorder, Mental Health, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Situational Depression, Sri Lanka