Life changes—work, family, parents, children—each can cause a great deal of stress in life. An adjustment disorder means you have trouble dealing with change and stress. This problem can have serious results. You may feel helpless or depressed. Or you may make bad decisions. You may even feel like you want to hurt yourself.
Adjustment disorder can cause anxiety or depression. It's triggered by stresses such as:
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Death of a loved one
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Divorce
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Marriage
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General life changes such as changing or leaving a job
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Moving
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Illness or another health issue for you or a family member
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Sex
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Money
Symptoms may include:
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Sadness or crying
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Anxiety
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Insomnia
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Poor concentration
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Trouble doing simple things
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New problems at work or with family or friends
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Loss of self-esteem
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Sense of hopelessness
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Feeling trapped or cut off from others
With this condition, it's common to feel sad, guilty, hopeless, and restless. These feelings may continue for weeks or months. It can be helpful to identify what's causing the additional stress. Then take steps to get extra support. If new stressful events don't happen, it's likely that you will gradually start feeling better.
Home care
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If you have been given a prescription for medicine, take it as directed. Don't change or stop your medicine without talking with your healthcare provider.
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Talk about your feelings and thoughts with trusted family or friends who understand and support you.
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Consider short-term in-person or online professional therapy. Talk with your healthcare provider to learn more.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or therapist as advised. Let them know if this condition doesn't improve or gets worse.
Crisis care
If you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or others, call or text
When to seek medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen:
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Depression or anxiety gets worse
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Feeling out of control
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Thoughts of harming yourself or another
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Being unable to care for yourself
