Adjustment Difficulties or Adjustment Disorder

Or call us on (02) 9906 5199

Life is full of considerable challenges that can sometimes stretch our coping mechanisms. An adjustment difficulty or adjustment disorder refers to marked emotional distress and difficulty in functioning in day-to-day life during a major stressor, or within three months following a major life event. As we are all so individual, there are a variety of responses we may experience and many subtypes to categorise the disturbance you may feel in the wake of a life adjustment.

Some simple facts to help you understand Adjustment Difficulties and how you can best manage them.

For some of us, the symptoms of adjustment difficulty or adjustment disorder can resolve within a few months of the stressor having passed. It can also be that, due to different reasons, our level of distress is so high or has been going on for so long that we would benefit from professional support. The first step is to speak with your GP about the way you are feeling. After discussing your symptoms, the GP may direct you to a psychologist near you who specialises in assisting people through major life changes.