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Adjustment to Life Circumstances

Human beings are creatures of habit; we depend on routine and keeping our lives safe and orderly. This however can change at any moment in this new day and age. Trouble adjusting to a new living situation, a major change, or adapting to drastic changes can bring along many symptoms such as feeling worried, anxious, stressed, or sad. Sudden and extreme changes can even take a toll on your emotional health. When experiencing these changes you need to re-invent the way you move your entire life, making it harder when done alone. Working with a trained professional can help you understand in a healthy, positive way of thinking how to get your routine back on track.

Change and stress does not have to be the enemy. By better understanding problems and limitations, you can learn to overcome a negative thinking and feeling cycle. Working with your specialist can help you to recognize difficulties as well as what is working well for you, and create ways to improve your life. 

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Adjustment to life circumstances

Life transitions such as getting married, experiencing illness, going through a divorce, or facing work-related problems can be stressful. Even happy moments can sometimes cause emotional difficulties. We can cope with these situations and adjust to new environments. However, if we are unable to adapt, we may experience adjustment difficulties, which can be emotionally challenging.

Anyone, regardless of age or gender, can experience adjustment problems,  which can arise from new environments, such as moving to a new place, attending a new school, or starting a new relationship.

How Do You Know If You or Someone You Care About Is Facing Adjustment Issues?

Signs of adjustment difficulties are:

  • Depressed mood

  • Crying spells

  • Nervousness

  • Excessive worry

  • Anxiety

  • social withdrawal

  • Sleep problems

  • Low self-esteem

  • Irritability

  • Change in attitude

  • Changes in appetite

  • Conduct problems

  • Feel of insecurity

  • Helplessness

  • Withdrawing socially

  • Mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct

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Causes of Adjustment Problems

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Stressors are events that can be difficult for an individual to cope with or adjust to, and they are usually of a severe and unusual nature. These events may include divorce, conflict, moving, academic or work problems, sexuality issues, or any other major life event. While not every person may find a particular stressor problematic, situations involving a relationship break-up, death, physical move, or natural disaster can even result in an adjustment disorder.

In some cases, people may experience recurring stressors such as exams for students, financial difficulties, or contact with family members that trigger past traumas. Adjusting to major life changes such as having a child, retiring, or experiencing empty nest syndrome can also require time to resolve.

Adjustment Problems

Therapy is a beneficial tool that individuals can use to improve their coping skills, reframe negative thoughts, and prepare for future stressors. In some cases, medication may be prescribed temporarily to provide relief while individuals learn new ways of dealing with life in their therapy sessions.

Different types of therapies can be effective in helping individuals manage adjustment issues, such as psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individual counselling, and group therapy. You do not have to suffer in silence if you have trouble adjusting to something. Consider scheduling an in-person or virtual appointment with a psychologist in La Jolla or Encinitas who can help you get back on track.

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