In a clinical/therapeutic context, disruptions in one’s life during or after significant stressful events or life stage transitions are referred to as challenges with “adjustment” (i.e., adjusting to one’s new circumstances).

Stress from adjustment is not the same as stress from trauma; adjustment typically derives from events that may be uncommon in your life but are common in the scope of human existence.

Marriage, divorce, launching (children leaving home), empty nesting, changing schools, changing jobs, and moving homes/cities are examples of possible “adjustment events.” These are not likely to occur more than a handful of times in your life, but most people do encounter at least a couple.

Since such events are expected and known to be challenging, it can often take some time for a person to notice they are not adjusting appropriately. Rather than considering therapy only once your social or occupational life hits “rock bottom,” consider starting once the stressors begin, and despair might be prevented. Therapy can be of assistance any time during the adjustment process, even before an anticipated change officially occurs.