Stress response syndrome is a short term condition that affects your ability to cope with current life difficulties.It can happen to anyone.Stress response syndrome is sometimes referred to as situational depression because many of the symptoms are similar to depression but do not meet a diagnosis of depression.A mental health provider can give a proper diagnosis.
Step 1: Triggers of stress response syndrome can be identified.
A stress response can be triggered by many events.A major life stressor can include living through a natural disaster, ending a relationship, starting a new school, or the death of a loved one.Multiple events can cause a stress response.Repetitive events like driving in a car after an accident or living in an unsafe neighborhood can cause adjustment problems.
Step 2: Be aware of the physical symptoms.
Physical symptoms can be caused by problems with adjustment.Some of the most common symptoms include trembling or twitching, heart palpitations, and physical complaints.If you have any of these symptoms, think back to when they started.Did the symptoms start around a time of stress in your life?This could be related to stress response syndrome.
Step 3: Look for emotional symptoms.
You may find yourself crying frequently.Depression, anxiety, worry, and tension are some of the symptoms.You could feel sad or powerless.You can withdraw from people and social events.Major shifts in emotional functioning are related to stressors in your life.Is there any emotional symptoms after the event?Is it possible that they came gradually over the first months after an event?Over time, emotional symptoms can start.
Step 4: There are changes in behavior.
Some people experience behavioral changes when they experience distress.It is possible to experience impulsive behavior.You may experience defiant behavior if you don't follow directions or listen to authority.Children and teens may act out their feelings more often than adults.Skipping school, engaging in fights, or other negative behaviors can be included.
Step 5: Understand how bad the distress is.
Adjustment disorder is caused by a specific event or chronic event.The symptoms must be more severe than expected to qualify as a disorder.The symptoms can affect school, social, and personal functioning.Stress is normal for a healthy person during a job change, divorce, or other life event.Stress response syndrome is more severe than a typical reaction.The symptoms have to be unrelated to normal grieving for a loss.
Step 6: You should note the duration of symptoms.
To be considered for a diagnosis of stress response syndrome, your symptoms must appear within three months of a stress event.Symptoms can be a result of a specific stressor or multiple events.A diagnosis of stress response syndrome is less likely if symptoms last more than 6 months after a single event.
Step 7: You can identify acute or chronic symptoms.
Acute symptoms are usually resolved once the stressor is removed or distanced.A stressor can include moving or starting a new school.Chronic symptoms last more than 6 months and may be caused by chronic stressors.It can include living in an unsafe place, enduring a tragic and total loss, or enduring continual pain or violence.
Step 8: The symptoms are not caused by other disorders.
If you are diagnosed with stress response syndrome, you don't have any symptoms of other stress related psychological diagnoses.The symptoms can't be explained better through another diagnosis.Symptoms can be traced back to a stressor and not an ongoing mental health problem.Symptoms of stress response disorder are not related to anxiety or depression.Post-traumatic stress disorder is not the cause of the stress response.
Step 9: If you have suicidal thoughts, watch out.
If you have a stress response syndrome, you are more likely to have suicidal thoughts.Call emergency services if you are worried about your safety.You can call a suicide hotline to talk to a friend or family member.Take any suicidal thoughts seriously.There are warning signs of suicide.
Step 10: Use things that are not substances.
Don't use any substances if you suspect you have a stress response syndrome.It is possible that you are at a higher risk for substance use.Drugs, alcohol, and other mind-altering substances are not a good way to deal with stress.If you experience severe stress, stay away from all substances as they can cause more damage in the long run.If they are not prescribed to you at this time, don't take them.
Step 11: Appropriate medical treatment is necessary.
Stress response syndrome can cause more problems.It can affect medical treatment.If you have a health condition, make sure you receive adequate treatment and keep up with your medication.This can help make sure that your illness is not long.
Step 12: There are persistent problems that you can recognize.
A therapist or psychologist may evaluate you for another disorder if the stress response syndrome does not decrease.If your symptoms persist, you may be assessed by your therapist for major depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or another diagnosis that best suits you.The path of recovery is aided by having a proper diagnosis.Post-traumatic stress disorder can be treated if you develop nightmares related to the stressor.