Adjustment Disorder: Care Instructions

Overview

Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that results from stress and can cause severe emotional and behavioral responses. But your response to the stress is far more severe than expected. It is severe enough to affect your work or social life and may lead to depression and physical pains and problems. Events that may cause this response can include a divorce, money problems, or starting school or a new job. It might be anything that causes some stress.

This disorder is most often a short-term condition. It happens within 3 months of the stressful event or change. If the response lasts longer than 6 months after the event ends, you may have a different mental health condition.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Go to all counseling sessions. Do not skip any because you are feeling better.
• If your doctor prescribed medicines, take them exactly as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Discuss the causes of your stress with a good friend or family member. Or you can join a support group for people with similar problems. Talking to others sometimes relieves stress.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. For many people, walking is a good choice. You also may want to do other activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis or team sports.
• Practice relaxation or stress-management techniques. Examples include deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, and yoga.
• Avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress. These can make symptoms worse.
• Break stressful problems into smaller steps. Focus on what you can do now instead of trying to solve everything at once.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

• Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Go online to chat.988lifeline.org to start a chat.
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers or having this website in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You have new anxiety, or your anxiety gets worse.
• You have been feeling sad, depressed, or hopeless or have lost interest in things that you usually enjoy.
• You do not get better as expected.