Adjustment Disorder Treatment in India

Karan Mehta, a 28-year-old software engineer,...

Karan Mehta, a 28-year-old software engineer, had always been the stable, reliable one in his family. Six months ago, his father passed away unexpectedly, and Karan, as the eldest son, took on the responsibility of managing the family's finances and supporting his grieving mother and younger brother. He tried to be the 'rock,' suppressing his own sorrow. Over the past three months, he developed persistent insomnia, constant fatigue, and found himself snapping at colleagues over minor issues. He lost interest in his hobbies and felt overwhelmed by daily tasks. His primary care physician, noting his symptoms and recent major stressor, recommended a psychiatric evaluation. The psychiatrist diagnosed him with Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood. Karan began weekly psychotherapy, focusing on grief processing, setting boundaries with family responsibilities, and stress management techniques like mindfulness. The treatment experience was challenging; initially, he felt guilty for 'needing help' when others were suffering more. However, he gradually learned to acknowledge his own grief. Post-treatment, after 12 sessions, Karan's sleep improved significantly, his irritability subsided, and he felt re-engaged with life. He established a better balance between supporting his family and caring for himself. Emotionally, he journeyed from feeling like a crumbling pillar of strength, burdened by silent duty, to understanding that true strength includes vulnerability and self-care, allowing him to honor his father's memory without losing himself.