Coping with Adjustment Disorder: Navigating Work Stress and Mental Health

Adjustment Disorder

Hello Doctor, I am 24 years old.
Let me briefly explain my situation...
Since childhood, I have always had difficulty adapting to new environments.
During my school years, I was mostly able to adjust over time.
I just started my first job after graduating, and today marks one week.
However, since I began working, I have been feeling extremely depressed.
I wake up suddenly at 5 AM every day and have also noticed a lack of morning erections.
The pressure feels overwhelming, to the point where I am considering quitting.
Before finding this job, I was at home, and to be honest, I didn't have any financial pressure.
I am somewhat of a "NEET" (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), but I have spent time managing my finances and investing, which has provided me with some income.

Aside from work, I have a good relationship with my family, and I get along well with my girlfriend and friends.
However, I start to feel depressed whenever work is involved.
I remember when I was 18 and doing internships, it took me three job changes to finally adapt.
Now at 24, I feel even more pressure due to my age, and I don't know if it's because I've been at home for too long or what, but I find it hard to engage in conversations at the office.
Should I quit my job and see a psychiatrist? This has been troubling me for nearly 10 years...
Since I was 16, whenever I change environments, I experience these symptoms of maladjustment.
I have mostly resolved work-related stress by resigning, except for one part-time job that I managed to adapt to.
When I feel pressured, I sometimes even yell, throw things, or hit the walls.

I am really confused; I don't know if I can't handle pressure or if I actually have a mental illness.
Seeing my friends stable in their jobs adds to my stress.
I do have jobs that I prefer, so would you recommend that I quit? Would you suggest that I see a psychiatrist? I am 24, and if this continues, I feel like I will achieve nothing.
I want to fundamentally resolve my issues; otherwise, I fear becoming a useless person.
I also don't want to be looked down upon by my peers, but I really want to quit my job every day.
Sometimes, I even think about ending it all, although I lack the courage and don't want to hurt my parents.
I feel so lost.

I just saw some responses you gave to others, and I want to clarify that those suggestions are ineffective for me.
I have always maintained a habit of exercising, I don't binge eat, and I don't have any particular lifestyle adjustments to make because I care about my health.
Yet, I feel immense emotional pain every day and dread going to work.
Doctor, what should I do? I hope to find a fundamental solution to my problems!

Micheal, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/24

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry

Dear Michael, thank you for your question.
Regarding your issue, it currently does not appear to be a mental illness, but it would be advisable to seek further evaluation from a psychiatrist for confirmation.
It seems that work-related stress is clearly causing you distress, and general coping strategies have not been effective for you.
I recommend that after the psychiatric evaluation, you schedule regular psychological counseling sessions (once a week) for in-depth therapy to explore the key factors that are preventing you from adapting to work stress, in order to find a resolution.
As for whether to resign from your job, it is advisable to make that decision in a calm state of mind, and you may also discuss it with your therapist.
Wishing you all the best!

Reply Date: 2020/07/24

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant distress related to your new job and the adjustments that come with it. Your feelings of depression, anxiety, and frustration are valid, especially considering your history of difficulty adapting to new environments. It’s important to acknowledge that transitioning into the workforce can be a challenging experience for many individuals, and it can be particularly difficult for those who have a history of adjustment issues.

From what you’ve described, it seems that you may be dealing with Adjustment Disorder, which is characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a specific stressor, such as starting a new job. Symptoms can include anxiety, depression, and difficulty coping with the changes in your environment. The fact that you have experienced these feelings for a long time, especially during transitions, suggests that this is a pattern that may require more than just coping strategies.

Here are some steps you might consider taking to address your situation:
1. Seek Professional Help: Given the intensity of your feelings and the impact they are having on your daily life, it would be beneficial to consult with a mental health professional. A psychologist or psychiatrist can help you explore your feelings in depth and provide a diagnosis if necessary. They can also offer therapeutic options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be effective for adjustment disorders and anxiety.

2. Medication: If your symptoms are severe, medication may be an option to consider. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can help stabilize your mood and reduce feelings of distress. This is something that a psychiatrist can discuss with you during your consultation.

3. Develop Coping Strategies: While you mentioned that you already engage in physical activity, it might be helpful to explore additional coping strategies. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation. Journaling can also be a useful tool for processing your thoughts and feelings.

4. Gradual Exposure: If possible, try to gradually expose yourself to the work environment. This could involve setting small, manageable goals for yourself each day, such as initiating a conversation with a colleague or completing a specific task. Celebrating small victories can help build your confidence.

5. Support System: Lean on your support system. Talk to your family, friends, or partner about what you’re going through. Sometimes, just sharing your feelings can provide relief. They may also offer insights or support that you hadn’t considered.

6. Consider Job Fit: Reflect on whether this job aligns with your interests and skills. If you find that the work environment is not a good fit for you, it may be worth exploring other job opportunities that might be more suitable. However, before making any decisions, it’s crucial to assess whether your feelings are related to the job itself or the adjustment process.

7. Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during this transition. It’s okay to struggle, and it doesn’t define your worth or potential. Recognize that many people experience similar feelings when starting new jobs or facing significant life changes.

8. Emergency Support: If you ever feel overwhelmed to the point of considering self-harm, it’s crucial to seek immediate help. Contact a mental health professional, a crisis hotline, or go to the nearest emergency room.

In conclusion, while it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and consider leaving your job, it’s essential to explore these feelings with a professional who can help you navigate this challenging time. You are not alone in this, and there are resources available to help you find a path forward that feels right for you.

Similar Q&A

Overcoming Low Stress Tolerance: A Journey Through Depression and Recovery

I am a patient with emotional-type depression, and my interpersonal relationships are not very good. Since I became ill in 1991, my work has been intermittent; I only had stable employment from 1993 to 1996, while other jobs were short-term. I struggle to manage my emotions, havi...

Dr. Chen Wenke reply Psychiatry
Hello Michelle, it seems that your situation is a common issue among many individuals with mental health disorders. Generally, when people hear the term "mental illness," they tend to view it with a sense of stigma, both domestically and internationally, though it may b...

Coping with Family Mental Health Issues: Strategies for Your Well-Being

If everyone in the household has mental health issues, with one person suffering from depression and another from anxiety, and you feel overwhelmed to the point of increased irritability, it can be very challenging. It’s important to prioritize your own mental health. Here are so...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, having a family member with a mental illness can indeed create significant stress. The first thing to do is to take care of yourself; when you are in a good state, you will be better able to help your family member. When your family member causes you distress, try to under...

Understanding OCD, Anxiety, and Panic in Workplace Dynamics

Hello, Doctor. I am currently facing some interpersonal issues at work. Over the past two years, one or two colleagues have seemingly teamed up with others to exclude me. Since I am privately preparing for a national examination (in law) and my supervisor has been promoting me (I...

Dr. Wang Yaoting reply Psychiatry
Hello: Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing issues with stress adaptation, leading to emotional instability, interpersonal sensitivity, and a tendency for over-association. I recommend that you visit a mental health clinic nearby, where a physician can assess ...

Understanding Adaptation Disorders: Navigating Work and Mental Health Challenges

Hello, Doctor: It's been a long time! I've been busy with work and making a living, so I haven't had the chance to check back on this Q&A and see information from others with the same condition as mine, or even to use it as a reference for mutual exchange. 1....

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, I'm glad to hear that you stepped out and found a job, and that you worked for a while. Of course, you eventually left, but this valuable experience can provide us with insights into the reasons for setbacks and whether improvements can be made next time. It sounds li...