Psychological Adjustment (Situational Depression)

Psychological adjustment is a reaction to an identifiable life stressor. The reaction is more severe than would normally be expected and can result in significant impairment in social, occupational, or academic functioning

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Why It's Important to Recognise and Treat?  

Difficulties of psychological adjustment are often triggered by a significant change  or series of changes in a person's life and early therapeutic interventions are important.

Common signs adjustment difficulties

The signs and symptoms that are indicative of the presence of psychological adjustment will vary from person to person, but may include combinations of the following:

Behavioural symptoms:

• Social isolation

• Being overly fearful

• Jitteriness

• Acting out with aggressive behaviours

• Engaging in risky, impulsive behaviours

• Substance use and abuse

• No longer participating in activities once enjoyed

• Self-harming behaviours

Physical symptoms:

• Sleep disturbances

• Chronic headaches

• Pervasive stomach aches

• Chest pains

• Muscle tension

Cognitive symptoms:

• Disturbances in the ability to concentrate

• Memory impairment

• Difficulty making decisions

• Lack of concentration 

Psychosocial symptoms:

• Emotional dysregulation

• Depressed mood

• Intense feelings of anxiety

• Chronic, overwhelming feelings of worry

• Feelings of desperation

• Increased separation anxiety

• Feelings of hostility

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness

• Decreased ability to experience pleasure

There need not be a trigger or obvious cause for these symptoms to develop.

If You Undergo a Life-Changing Trauma

Acknowledge the loss and that things will never be the same,, most importantly expect to return to a different normality

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• Stay connected to people who care about you versus isolating

• Go to individual and/or group therapy.

• Get a check-up—the physical and emotional are very connected and you want to ensure you take care of all parts of yourself.

• Be physical—exercise is vital.

• Eat healthy and do your best to maintain good sleep patterns.

• Don’t depend on alcohol and/or drugs as a crutch.