Adjustment Disorders

Adjustment disorders are stress-related conditions that occur when you have trouble coping with or adjusting to a significant life change or stressful event. These disorders are characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that develop within three months of a stressful life event.

Unlike other mental health conditions, adjustment disorders are typically short-term and resolve once you adapt to the new situation or the stressor is removed. However, without proper support, these difficulties can persist and potentially develop into more serious mental health conditions.

We help you develop practical skills to navigate life changes more effectively:

• • Problem-solving and decision-making strategies
• • Time management and organization skills
• • Communication and assertiveness training
• • Relaxation and stress reduction techniques
• • Building and maintaining support networks
• • Self-care and wellness practices

These skills not only help with current challenges but also build your capacity to handle future life changes more effectively.

While some difficulty adjusting to change is normal, consider seeking professional help if you experience:

• • Symptoms that persist beyond 6 months
• • Significant impairment in daily functioning
• • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• • Difficulty maintaining relationships
• • Substance use to cope with stress
• • Symptoms that interfere with work or school

Early intervention can prevent adjustment difficulties from developing into more serious mental health conditions.

Recovery from adjustment disorders typically involves:

• • Understanding the connection between stress and symptoms
• • Developing healthy coping mechanisms
• • Building resilience and adaptability
• • Creating a support network
• • Learning to manage stress proactively
• • Developing problem-solving skills

Most people see significant improvement within a few months of treatment. The goal is to help you not just recover from the current difficulty, but to become more resilient for future challenges.