We sometimes call adjustment disorder situational depression. Any situation perceived as a stressful event can cause adjustment disorder. These stressors usually cause a significant issue in the person’s work, home, or social life. Even positive events like getting married or having a baby can trigger dark moods.
The possibility of developing situational depression is linked with several factors, including personality, well-being, life experiences, and family history. Examples of events that can cause situational depression are:
- Retirement
- Marriage
- A new baby
- Marital issues
- Problems in school
- Financial instability
- Living somewhere that feels unsafe
Adjustment disorder can affect adults and children. Depending on the stressful event, adjustment disorder can present itself in entire families, like in the case of a natural disaster.
Understanding stressors
A stressor can be a single event or an ongoing problem. A stressor is anything in your life that causes you to feel stress, positive or negative. Stressors and the degree of distress they cause vary from person to person. For example, certain people thrive in fast-paced work environments while others find it too chaotic.
Stress management as well as acknowledging and understanding your triggers go a long way toward recovery. It takes time to develop this self-awareness, but it’s very possible. A trained mental health professional can help you toward personal insight and understanding of your disorder.
What are the symptoms of adjustment disorder?
The experience of situational depression is different for every individual. Symptoms can be mild or severe. The symptoms often depend on the intensity and personal significance of the trigger. Physical symptoms include insomnia, aches, soreness, heart palpitations, and sweaty hands. There are some emotional and behavioral symptoms as well, including:
- Rebellious, destructive, and impulsive behavior
- Anxiety
- Emotional sensitivity
- Difficulty concentrating
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Loss of enthusiasm
- Withdrawal or isolation
Talking with your healthcare provider about any of these symptoms is a great way to start toward recovery. They can give you a full physical and mental health exam and can consider several criteria to help you diagnose the issue.
What happens if adjustment disorder is untreated?
Situational depression is easiest to treat in its earlier stages. Left untreated, adjustment disorder can develop into chronic depression or anxiety. Most of the time, people overcome their situational depression in around six months
Retake control of your life
If you are diagnosed with adjustment disorder, the next step is deciding on treatment. Generally, situational depression only requires short-term treatment, though this varies among individuals. Treatments for adjustment disorder are therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Medication
Medication is primarily used to regulate symptoms while you develop coping mechanisms in therapy. Many of the medications used to stabilize and treat situational depression are similar to those used to treat insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Medication is most effective when taken alongside regular sessions with a certified therapist.
Therapy
Finally, the primary treatment for adjustment disorder is therapy. For teens or young children experiencing situational depression, seek a specialist in adolescent or child mental health. If you are suffering, you can develop healthy coping strategies. With the help of a therapist, This is helpful in the present as well as for future bouts of depression or anxiety.
A therapist will start by helping you determine the cause of your adjustment disorder. From there, they can provide emotional support and help you better understand how situational depression affects you. Recovering from adjustment disorder takes time and patience. Yet, there is no need to do it alone. Reach out to a therapist and regain control of your life.
