Health & Fitness

noun the condition of being physically fit and healthy noun the state of being free from illness or injury

For many people, summer coming along is a reminder that we have vacations and trips awaiting us. But for many people, this doesn’t simply mark the transition from work to the beach, it marks the beginning of an end of an era. Around this time, many parents are celebrating their children graduating and moving out of the house as they go off to college, the military, or the workforce.

Medical Editor

Often times, couples are having to adjust to empty-nester syndrome, or having to adjust to relearning each other. Many have set aside their own wants and needs for years for the sake of raising their children, and now that they are gone, they are left standing there thinking “What now?”

Many couples experience issues with adjusting to the focus shifting from their children to themselves as a unit again, and for some, it can prove difficult. For some, retirement is on the horizon, and this can also prove difficult.

Adjustment issues can be difficult to navigate during this time period. Often, people experience adjustment disorder.

Adjustment disorder is “a group of symptoms, such as stress, feeling sad or hopeless, and physical symptoms that can occur after you go through a stressful life event.

The symptoms occur because you are having a hard time coping. Your reaction is stronger than expected for the type of event that occurred.(medlineplus.gov)”

These issues can include:

Death of a loved one

Divorce or problems with a relationship

General life changes

Illness or other health issues in yourself or a loved one

Moving to a different home or a different city

Unexpected catastrophes

Worries about money

Family problems or conflict

School problems

Sexuality issues

*Medlineplus.gov

Any of these events can cause people to have a difficult time trying to function. Per the Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org), symptoms can include:

Feeling sad, hopeless or not enjoying things you used to enjoy

Frequent crying

Worrying or feeling anxious, nervous, jittery or stressed out

Trouble sleeping

Lack of appetite

Difficulty concentrating

Feeling overwhelmed

Difficulty functioning in daily activities

Withdrawing from social supports

Avoiding important things such as going to work or paying bills

Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Symptoms typically last no longer than 6 months as people tend to find ways to cope with their situations. However, when these symptoms become prolonged more than 6 months or increase in intensity, it is important to seek therapeutic or psychiatric help. Cognitive behavioral therapy is just one of many effective treatments for people who have issues adjusting to significant life changes. Medication management is also an option for symptoms that are more intense.

The important thing is to remember that these feelings are temporary. People are resilient and usually find a way to adapt to their circumstances. It is important to view some of these life changes as not defeat or the end of something, but as a temporary situation or the beginning of an opportunity. Many people will discover themselves in the process and will learn or pick up something new. But whatever you do, be kind to yourself.