Episode Details

One week your life feels predictable. The next, a job loss, divorce, medical diagnosis, financial problem, or another major change leaves you wondering why you suddenly cannot handle things the way you normally do.

In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology Podcast, you'll learn what an adjustment disorder is, how it differs from the normal stress that follows a difficult life event, and what the symptoms can look like in everyday life. Through the story of Karen—a woman facing the loss of her 23-year career and her marriage at nearly the same time—you'll see how quickly major change can affect sleep, concentration, mood, anxiety, relationships, and daily functioning.

More importantly, you'll hear practical ways to begin moving forward when life changes faster than you can adjust.

Key Takeaways

• How adjustment disorders can develop after an identifiable stressor

• The major symptoms and different ways they can appear

• Why struggling with change is not a measure of personal strength

• How CBT and solution-focused brief therapy may help

• Practical ways to rebuild routine and regain a sense of control

• Why focusing on the next reasonable step can make a difference

Learn more and explore additional episodes at Quest-Success.com.

Suggested Reading & References

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

Clear, James. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Avery, 2018.

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Little, Brown and Company, 1951.

O'Donnell, M. L., et al. "Adjustment Disorder: Current Developments and Future Directions." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Mentioned in This Episode

#TheCatcherInTheRye #JDSalinger #AtomicHabits #JamesClear