Helping your child with adjustment disorder: what parents and caregivers can do

Adjustment Disorder in youth can feel overwhelming for both the child and those who care for them. But with understanding, consistency, and the right tools, caregivers can play a powerful role in helping young people navigate change and come out stronger. 

Here are five powerful steps you can take if you’re concerned about your child’s mood or behavior.

1. Validate their feelings: Acknowledge their emotions with supportive language, like “I can see this is really hard for you” to help them feel heard.
   
   
2.  Establish routine and stability: Consistent schedules can provide a sense of security, especially during stressful times.
   
   
3. Encourage healthy coping skills: Promote stress management techniques like deep breathing, journaling, or regular physical activity. 
   
   
4. Promote social support: Encourage connections with friends, family, or trusted adults, and consider group activities to help combat withdrawal.
   
   
5. Seek professional help when needed: If necessary, professional support such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help your child develop coping skills and address underlying issues. 

Adjustment disorder is a common but often overlooked mental health challenge in youth. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can empower families to support their children through difficult transitions. With the right interventions, children experiencing AD can develop resilience, adaptability, and healthy emotional regulation skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.  

At Connections, we provide compassionate, expert mental health care for youth and families—when and where it's needed most. With centers serving youth located in Tucson, Arizona and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, we strive to provide the care families need, right when they need it. If you're near one of our locations, you can simply walk in—no appointment or referral required.

Expanding access to youth mental health care

Connections is growing to meet the needs of more youth and families nationwide. We’re opening new doors and expanding services in 2025.

• Connections Prince William Crisis Receiving Center
  Opening soon in Woodbridge, Virginia, this new facility at 14011 Worth Avenue will provide round-the-clock behavioral health care for both youth and adults as part of the Prince William Crisis Receiving Center Complex.

• Connections Kirkland
  Our Kirkland, Washington center—currently focused on adult services—will begin offering care for youth starting in Summer 2025. Find us at 11410 NE 122nd Way, Kirkland, WA.

Not close to a Connections center? You’re not alone. National resources are available to help you and your family no matter where you are.

If a young person in your life needs immediate help or you’re unsure where to turn, call or text 988—the free, confidential national crisis helpline available 24/7. To learn more, visit 988helpline.org.