Bad things happen. It feels horrible when it happens and it can take time to 'deal with it' and 'move on'. But, some bad things are just not easy to leave behind.

Good things happen too. But just because it was good does not mean it is easy. Sometimes good things leave lingering stress, difficulties, and challenges.

Any event or series of events that causes a significant change to you and your world is stressful and can be difficult.

An Adjustment Disorder is when the stress of an event is lingering; You feel stuck after it. You may feel depressed, helpless, hopeless, anxious, angry, irritable, reckless, or a unique combination of these experiences.

There is not as much research on comparing different treatments for Adjustment Disorder in itself, mainly because it is a relatively simplistic label for a complex array of experiences. In general, Adjustment Disorder responds well to treatment that includes interventions focused on relieving symptoms, improving coping skills, alleviating stress, and improving functioning. Research suggests the more invested in your treatment plan and committed to using the skills learned outside of the therapy room, the better treatment response.

But what type of treatment and interventions are used depends on you and what you are experiencing. Treatment for Adjustment Disorder requires a significant amount of clinical skills, knowledge, and experience to address your particular stressors and help reduce your symptoms.

Finding a therapist you trust that will collaboratively work with you is likely one of the essential requirements for treatment success. When you find a therapist you trust, respect, and are a good fit, it typically doesn’t take long to feel better. Research has found that people report improvement and symptom reduction within a few weeks/months of treatment. Whereas, if left untreated, adjustment disorders can become unpredictably worse.

If you have experienced a stressful event that has changed your life, today is a great day to seek help to find a way to feel better and unstuck.