Adjustment Difficulties

Coping with a change is never easy for anyone. During a big life transition, it is expected that you will go through a period of stress, worry or sadness. However, sometimes the change is so overwhelming that you are struggling to function in everyday life. This could be an indication that you are experiencing an adjustment difficulty or an adjustment disorder, and it may be beneficial to seek professional support.

Adjustment difficulties involve an unhealthy emotional state that is caused by an identifiable stressor or a number of stressors.

The stressors can be ongoing or brief, some examples could include:

• A relationship break up or conflict
• Problems at work or school
• Diagnosis of a disabilities or illness
• Natural or inflicted disaster s
• Reaching a specific age milestone (e.g. moving to a new home, retirement)
• Losing someone close to you

These changes may have caused you to feel anxious, sad or angry. The stressful event may always be on your mind, and so it has affected your ability to concentrate on anything else. It may have taken a toll on your self-esteem, and you may have found yourself withdrawing from the people around you. You may have also noticed physical changes, such as increased tiredness, indigestion or physical pain.

If you have experienced any of the above symptoms in response to a stressful change, it may be beneficial to seek support to work through the event.

The psychologists at VCPS are highly experienced in providing support that is individualised to each person's unique qualities and preferences. Some of the help that can be provided includes:

• Increasing your capacity to cope with changes using evidence-based strategies for managing negative emotions
• Relaxation training
• Assisting you to use the social supports that are around you when a stressor arises
• Enhance your self-efficacy and sense of control in your life
• Discover the thoughts that are triggering any negative emotions and challenge these until they no longer have an effect