Adjustment Disorder (Child)

Most children learn to cope with stressful situations, such as the start of school, parents' divorce, the death of a pet, or moving. They may take several months, but children do adjust. If a child continues to feel stressed, hopeless, or worried without relief, they may have an adjustment disorder. Symptoms may include sadness, anxiety, and feeling hopeless.

Treatment can help and depends on how severe the disorder is. Medicine may be given for depression or anxiety. Counseling or talk therapy can provide emotional support and teach healthy coping skills.

The healthcare provider may prescribe medicine for your child. Follow the provider's instructions when giving these medicines to your child. Don't change the amount of medicine you give without calling your provider.

• Keep communication open with your child. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. Offer support and understanding.
• Reassure your child that such reactions are common.
• Stay in contact with your child's teacher. Check on your child's progress or problems at school. Ask for help from the school psychologist if the concerning behaviors don't decrease.
• Allow your child to make simple decisions, such as what to eat for dinner, so they can feel more in control.
• Encourage a healthy diet and a regular sleep routine.
• Encourage your child to be physically active every day.
• Be open to individual and family counselling if it's recommended.

Follow up with your child's healthcare provider or as advised.

Help your child find their own ways to cope with stress. Regular exercise, yoga, music, painting and drawing, writing, meditation, or being with friends may help. Pay attention to your own level of stress. This can be a difficult situation to manage. Take time for yourself. Consider joining a parent support group. Seek counseling if you are feeling a lot of distress.

Take any mention of harming others, self-harm or suicide seriously. Call or text 988 if your child is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others. Also call if they have a clear suicide plan and has the means to carry the plan out. Don't leave your child alone. When you call or text 988, you will be connected to trained crisis counselors at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. An online chat option is also available. Lifeline is free and available 24/7.

Contact your child's healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:

• Thoughts of harming themselves or another
• Symptoms get worse or new symptoms show up
• Alcohol or drug use
• You or your partner feel overwhelmed by your child's behaviors or your ability to manage them
• Teachers, trusted friends or family members express new concerns over your child's behavior
• Siblings have trouble dealing with the family situation