Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to positive or negative situations in your life, such as a new job or the death of a loved one. Stress itself isn't abnormal or bad. What's important is how you deal with stress.
When you have trouble adjusting to a stressful change and you find it difficult to go about your daily routine for more than just a brief period, you may have developed an adjustment disorder. An adjustment disorder is a type of stress-related mental illness that can affect your feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
Signs and symptoms of an adjustment disorder can include:
- Anxiety
- Poor school or work performance
- Relationship problems
- Sadness
- Thoughts of suicide
- Worry
- Trouble sleeping
If you're dealing with a stressful situation in your life, try self-help measures, such as talking things over with caring family or friends, practicing yoga or meditation, getting regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and cutting back on your to-do list. If these techniques don't help and you feel like you're still having a hard time coping, talk to your doctor.
Show References
- Trauma- and stressor-related disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2013. http://www.psychiatryonline.org. Accessed Dec. 21, 2018.
- Five tips to manage stress. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/manage-stress.aspx. Accessed Dec. 21, 2018.
- Managing stress. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/find-support/living-with-a-mental-health-condition/managing-stress. Accessed Dec. 21, 2018.
- Zelviene P, et al. Adjustment disorder: Current perspectives. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2018;14:375.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/adjustment-disorder/faq-20058248