Adjustment Disorder, Food For Thought and Cinco De Mayo

All of us Residents here at THD must have suffered some forms of adjustment disorder during our move to this senior community. Most of us suffered very mild adjustments ( Like Me). Others perhaps  experienced more serious adjustment, that may require intervention of mental health professionals. Thus this posting on this subject relating to our downsizing move -hopefully the last stage and may be the best stage of our life.   

This posting is inspired by a recent event here at THD. One of my Bridge friends and fellow residents was not able to play bridge during our regular game a couple of Tuesdays a few weeks ago. However, the other day, she was back here at THD. She told us she has been diagnosed as having Adjustment Disorder. This was triggered by her move here at THD from her single-home residence where she has resided for over 55 years. So I did some reading on this subject and here's what I learned.  I love sharing it with you.  

" Adjustment disorders are excessive reactions to stress that involve negative thoughts, strong emotions and changes in behavior. The reaction to a stressful change or event is much more intense than would typically be expected. This can cause a lot of problems in getting along with others, as well as at work or school.

Work problems, going away to school, an illness or any number of life changes can cause stress. Most of the time, people get used to such changes within a few months. But if you have an adjustment disorder, you continue to have emotional or behavioral responses that can make you feel more anxious or depressed. Treatment can help you regain your emotional well-being.

Symptoms depend on the type of adjustment disorder. These symptoms can

 vary from person to person. You experience more stress than would generally be

 expected in response to a trying event, and this stress causes a lot of problems in your

 life.  Adjustment disorders affect how you feel and think about yourself and the world. 

They also may affect your actions or behavior.

Some examples include:

• Feeling sad, hopeless or not enjoying things you used to enjoy.
• Crying often.
• Worrying, or feeling anxious, nervous, jittery or stressed out.
• Feeling irritable or like you can't handle anything and don't know where to start.
• Having trouble sleeping.
• Not eating enough.
• Having difficulty concentrating.
• Having difficulty with daily activities.
• Withdrawing from family and friends who support you socially.
• Not doing important things, such as going to work or paying bills.
• Thinking about suicide or acting on those thoughts.

Symptoms of an adjustment disorder start within three months of a stressful event. These symptoms last no longer than six months after the end of the stressful event. But constant or lasting adjustment disorders can continue for more than six months. This is especially true if the stressful event is ongoing, such as being unemployed.

When to see a doctor

Stressors are usually temporary. You learn to cope with them over time. Symptoms of adjustment disorder usually get better when the stress eases. But sometimes the stressful event continues to be a part of your life. Or a new stressful situation comes up, and you face the same emotional struggles all over again.

Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you continue to struggle or if you're having trouble getting through each day. You can get treatment to help you cope better with stressful events and feel better about life again.

 For Details visit: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adjustment-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20355224

Meanwhile, Did you Know That.......

During the Marcos regime, the Central Bank quietly gathered pre-colonial gold artifacts from across the Philippines. It wasn’t for display — it was for safekeeping, hidden from public view for years. Today, this once-secret treasure is part of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gold Exhibit — showcasing golden necklaces, masks, and ceremonial items from a forgotten Filipino past.

Lastly, My Food for Thought For Today:

Regular physical activity has been linked to a range of benefits, from better immune function to reduced risk of chronic disease, and it's a boon for your brain as well as your body. That's because exercise increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain while reducing inflammation, Dr. Eubank says. The Alzheimer's Association adds that some research indicates exercise can help those with Alzheimer's maintain memory function and even increase the size of the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory that's typically impacted in early Alzheimer's and later stages.   So, Let us get moving, stop the laziness and perhaps live longer! 

( I should really think of going back to Zumba and the Stretching and Balance Exercises Program here at THD).  

Personal Note: Cinco De Mayo Celebration- May 2, 2025

Our Dinner Menu for the Cinco de Mayo Special Dinner Yesterday and with My Mexican Gallon Hat at the Cocktail Hour. I had the chicken tortilla soup, fish tacos and the Tres Dulce Cake (Flan not Available).     

 Kudos to Ted and Monica for a very successful and colorful Cinco de Mayo Party at the Liberty Pavilion.  Here are two photos Jenny S took at the party. Muchas Gracias, Jenny! 

Highlighting my Galloon Mexican Red Hat and My Personalized Black T-Shirt