Coping with Adjustment Disorder as a Nigerian

An adjustment disorder (AjD) is a stress-related, mental or emotional reaction or response to change of environment, event or life happenings. These changes vary from changing schools for children or a parent going through a terrible divorce case. 

Given the present economic condition of Nigeria, cost of living has skyrocketed. Many Nigerians are struggling to adjust to this new and throat-cutting standard. Bills are piling and choking the average Nigerian, the hopeless unemployed graduate has become even more hopeless and the struggles of the struggling single parent has increased. Adjusting is the only option but it’s definitely driving Nigerians crazy. 

According to a research article published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 5.8% of Nigerians were deduced to have AjD. (With the present state of the country, I bet it must have tripled). Also known as ‘Stress response syndrome', adjustment disorder is often associated with anxiety, depression, emotional imbalance, amnesia or PTSD. 

Adults suffer from this disorder but children and adolescents are the predominant victims of AjD. Qualified mental health therapists can diagnose the disorder. 

Identifying Adjustment Disorder Triggers

The causes of adjustment disorder vary from person to person. Below are a few triggers you may be able to relate to as a Nigerian:

• Losing your 30k monthly job. In this present situation, having a 9-5 that pays 30k is better than having none. Talmabout, half a loaf is better than none. How do you want someone who lost his job to adjust? Ma pa mi ejorr!
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• When your Japa plans end up in the poto poto! Your head will just be turning on its own. All the money you spent to fast track your visa, passport, print this and that will just be singing “O ti lorrrrrrrrrr” inside your brain. Where do I start from will be on your mind. 
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• Relationship/marriage palava. The fear of going through another talking stage and adjusting to being Rotimi’s babe or Ajoke’s boo is the beginning of headache. If your ship is sailing, you’re a bit safe (if side chicks don’t steal your man or Zaddys don’t snatch your babe). If it’s sinking, a nice breakfast is steaming for you. 
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• Bullying, academic challenges and trying to fit into a new school environment for children. In some cases, the children end up hating the school, having poor grades or losing interest in school. Local man pikin nor get choice! 
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• Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety or PTSD can be triggers. 

When to ask for help

Immediately you notice that your heart is always beating fast gbim gbim or your hands are shaking, so’ro!

Stressors can be temporary or long-term. One can learn to cope with the triggers of AjD but the downside of this is, we may overtime become numb to reality. 

On the other hand, if bad situations persist, one goes through the emotional pain and struggles all over again. This can take a huge toll on a person’s mental health. 

When a child, adolescent or adult exhibits the traits of Adjustment Disorder which a qualified psychiatrist or mental health professional diagnoses through thorough evaluation and interview, it is important to introduce therapy. 

One can get treatment that would help them to adjust whenever life throws them lemons.

Assisting loved ones with Adjustment Disorder

One artist sang, “If dem nor ginger you, ginger yourself”

Lol. That’s on a lighter mood. 

• Family support – In this harsh Nigeria economy, family is everything! Families should prioritize healthy communications and interactions amongst themselves. Quit slanders and gas lighting, open your arms.
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• Talk about it – A wise man once said, “A problem shared is half solved”. If you want to survive in Nigeria, talk! Soro s’oke! Even if you don’t get the money to shut the mouths of those loan apps operators that keep calling you to come and clear your bill, you have at least, let it off your chest. Family and friends should give listening ears to their loved ones rants. 
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• Take life easy – Shey Ogun l’aye ni? Iro! Don’t let pressure get to you. Take life one step at a time! Problem nor go finish! 

Some peculiarities about living with adjustment disorders in Nigeria

Nigerians are going through a lot and a lot is going through them. So, if they are told that the “Aluta continua, Victoria is my sister” struggles has a name, it would be a shock to them. 

Most nigerians are born with the ability to adjust to any kind of situation yet it is believed that we can always make lemonade juice, ice cream, pie from lemons. Hard times have brought the best out of Nigerians. The economy makes us see possibilities in impossibilities. 

Irrespective of our peculiar origin, surviving an adjustment disorder can be herculean and you need as much support as you can get to scale through.