Apr 16, 2020

There is so much going on in the world right now with changes. Most of us are experiencing major adjustments to work and home life. It's important to keep an eye on how you are feeling. Have you ever unexpectedly begun to experience symptoms that are related to depression? Have you started to wonder why certain emotions and behaviors are surfacing, perhaps out of the blue? Are you confused because you've never had problems with depression in the past, but now you feel weighed down? If you're undergoing a big life change or many small, simultaneous changes, you may be experiencing an adjustment disorder.

What is an adjustment disorder?

Adjustment disorders typically include a mix of depression symptoms such as sadness, lack of motivation, appetite changes, sleep changes, or even feelings of anxiety. They are brought about by large and/or sudden changes in a person's life that overwhelm the person's ability to adjust. The aspect that makes this disorder unique is that it is temporary. Once a person is able to adjust to the change, the symptoms subside. Possible causes can include, but are in no way limited to:

• COVID-19 Stay at Home orders and job loss or changes in working environments
  
• Relationship changes- marriage, divorce, break-up
• Career changes- job loss or new career
• Moving to a new house or location
• Death of a loved one
• Entering a new life phase
• Natural disaster or other traumatic event

What can I do about this?

While it is comforting to know that the disorder should eventually go away on its own, there are some great ways to cope with the transitions. One healthy way is through counseling, which can help you regain your footing when life feels unstable. Jodi Mitchell provides kind, compassionate, and empowering therapy sessions in the Fresno area. While an adjustment disorder can resolve itself, counseling can speed up the process and provide you with tools to alleviate your symptoms and help you to smoothly navigate the changes and upsets. Big changes can be challenging but you don't have to struggle through them alone or at the cost of your mental health.

Another way to deal with this disorder is to develop a routine. While it may sound like a very basic step, this can actually help to produce a sense of stability especially if there are a lot of unfamiliar events taking place. Creating a rhythm in everyday life provides a way for you to anticipate what is next, and is emotionally soothing.

Lastly, don't give up hope. Everyone handles change and uncertain times differently. Even if you are feeling hopeless, this does not mean that something is wrong with you. Sometimes dealing with common life changes just requires a bit of extra help, and caring counselors, are here to help you get back on your path to a full and healthy lifestyle. Contact us today to see how we can help you adjust to the changes in your life.