#7 Progression of Adjustment Disorder

One month before quitting my job

• Diagnosed with adjustment disorder at the first visit, advised to take a leave of absence or resign immediately (as soon as possible)

• Prescribed 1mg of ethyl loflazepate tablet at bedtime, and 2 tablets of 0.5mg lorazepam as needed for anxiety

• The as-needed medication was taken at the maximum prescribed dose almost every day

• Severe diarrhea and nausea from the morning, no appetite at all, felt like vomiting and couldn't even gargle

• Anxiety all day long (thoughts wouldn't stop), insomnia

• Felt faint on the commuter train

• Unable to concentrate on even short videos for yoga, stretching, or meditation

1-2 weeks after quitting my job

• Kept remembering work, strong sense of fear

• Prescribed 0.5mg of ethyl loflazepate tablet at bedtime (reduced dose), and 2 tablets of 0.5mg lorazepam as needed for anxiety

• Advice from my doctor was to immerse myself in something to avoid thinking about unpleasant things as much as possible

• Perhaps the bedtime medication was too strong, as the fatigue in the morning was difficult

• Loose stools, loss of appetite, and low body weight continued

• Resumed yoga, but physical condition fluctuated and I couldn't do it every day

• Tried to relax, but felt restless without tasks to do

• Went to Kamakura towards the end of this period (it was too early)

3-4 weeks after quitting my job

• Became able to complete some simple tasks every day (housework, tidying up, children's school matters, etc.)

• Became able to do light yoga without any problems

• Appetite returned to 60-70% of normal

• Thought less about work during the day

• Stopped taking sleep medication as it didn't suit me; taking it as needed is okay if things get tough (I actually only took it two or three times)

• My doctor diagnosed that regular visits are no longer necessary, and since general recovery from adjustment disorder is considered to take about 6 months, advised me not to push myself too hard with everything.

• Still experiencing some dizziness and lack of focus (dropping plates, bumping into doors)

In my case, because I acted quickly from the time I felt something was wrong until my first consultation, and because the reason for my adjustment disorder was clearly only "work," I was able to completely remove the cause by resigning. Therefore, about two months after the diagnosis, I was able to stop all medication and end my hospital visits.

At the same time as ending hospital visits, it is determined that there is "no hindrance to working." In other words, I became eligible to receive unemployment insurance at Hello Work. I will write about the procedures at Hello Work and the ward office separately.

Although I still cannot push myself too hard, for now, I am saying goodbye to my status as a patient.

Thank you for reading until the end.
This note is a rambling account of the additional time (lol) in my life after I left my job due to adjustment disorder.
I would be happy if you read the continuation as well.

My previous Kamakura trip is here