Could the Current State of the World Lead to This? Understanding Adjustment Disorder
2020 has been the year of truths. There’s been no holding back from the world. It's been a roller coaster of emotions that at times has been hard to understand and cope with. The constant anxiety, stress, loss, and sudden change of events can be very difficult to process. After discovering and understanding adjustment disorder the dark cloud of confusion and pent up anxiety can begin to ease. Adjustment disorder is a part of mental health and it’s essentially a series of emotions that can occur on a consistent basis. Isn’t that how this year has been? This is exactly why this topic is so important to highlight.
What are some symptoms of Adjustment Disorder?
- Feeling sad, hopeless or not enjoying things you used to enjoy
- Frequent crying
- Worrying or feeling anxious, nervous, jittery or stressed out
- Trouble sleeping
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulty functioning in daily activities
- Withdrawing from social supports
- Avoiding important things such as going to work or paying bills
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
How do you treat Adjustment Disorder and How Long Does it Last?
Like many mental health bouts, it can be treated fairly easily and quickly or it can be a detrimental and lifelong battle. However, please know that Adjustment Disorder varies for everyone. Sometimes it’s diagnosed by a psychotherapist and goes away as soon as the stress goes away. Sometimes people take medication and/or have therapy sessions on a more consistent basis. Again, everyone differs so, it’s important to recognize the signs and take care of this as soon as possible to avoid any harm. Adjustment Disorder is like anxiety x a thousand depending on how you react to stressful situations.
Don’t be afraid to communicate. Sometimes family isn’t best to confide in but, communicating challenging feelings to a friend or family friend has a healing effect. Like many mental health bouts, adjustment disorder does not discriminate. To avoid stress during such trying times find time to incorporate joy. Perhaps, try to have some alone time, dance like nobody is watching, sing, take a long bath. This is better said than done but, it’s ok to have joyful moments. It’s also ok to feel however, the situation makes one feel because the faster one meets those situations head on the faster they die down.
Studies show that a good routine can help enhance moods and mindset. If you feel like you're experiencing an adjustment disorder try to create a routine for yourself. For example, meditate when you wake up, try journaling as a way to release any negative emotions. Grounding is a simple and powerful way to connect with the earth's energy, pull out a daily affirmation card, and embody that greatness for the day.
This has been a year of facing the world’s true colors plus a pandemic. It hasn’t been easy to navigate this type of year so, we thought to highlight adjustment disorder in case anyone has faced or is facing such a challenge. We have meditated and used our aromatherapy to heal and navigate the roller coaster of emotions brought on by this year. See the guided meditation we recommend here.
Please message us if you need anyone to talk to.
Sending light and good vibes to all.
By Contributing Writer Pamela Delgado