The process of learning to cope with a major life change often leads to emotional and social distress.
Adjustment disorder is diagnosed in individuals who experience significant difficulties adjusting to major life changes. Its behavioral and emotional symptoms include feeling sad and hopeless, worrying excessively, difficulty carrying out daily activities, feeling overwhelmed, withdrawing from social support, etc.
Particularly, moving to another country and building a life there can bring about a culture shock that may lead to feelings of wanting to avoid the situation. Such emotions along with a lack of social support can manifest symptoms of anxiety and depression. Other problems include drug- and alcohol-dependent behaviors, serious family conflicts, etc.
Over the past few decades, more research has investigated the factors that help relieve the psychological stress which individuals who are trying to adjust to a new environment feel. Our clinic provides the clinical and psycho-educational programs for bilingual students based on the research along with years of clinical experience.
