Understanding Adjustment Disorder in the face of a Pandemic

Article By: Jenny Midence-Blaszczyk

Let’s be real, the past year has been stressful (or sucked)!  If you are finding yourself feeling down, you are not alone. When dealing with a stressful event, such as a pandemic, divorce, a relationship break-up, being a victim of a crime, the loss of a loved one, a new job, etc. it is normal to feel a little off balance.

If you have struggled to cope, you may have developed an adjustment disorder, which is sometimes called situational depression or stress response syndrome.The symptoms of an adjustment disorder share a lot in common with depression; for example, worry, tearfulness, sadness, feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, anxiety, fatigue, or insomnia.

Adjustment Disorders are very common, can affect anyone and are generally temporary, rarely lasting longer than six months, and typically goes away once the individual is able to find ways to cope with the situation.

Understanding the difference of this diagnosis as you make the best efforts to deal with life is invaluable and, for some, opens a sense of mastery once validated in their experiences.

Pennsylvania and Main Line Therapist

Jenny Midence-Blaszczyk, is a therapist practicing at our office in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. Jenny supports people across the Main Line and from the city of Philadelphia that have a history of struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction and substance abuse, relationships, and major life transitions. She can support you with processing trauma. To schedule with Jenny for an appointment at our Bala Cynwyd office or virtually please click here.