What describes a situation where individuals struggle to cope with stress from significant life events?

The situation where individuals struggle to cope with stress from significant life events is described as adjustment disorder. This condition typically arises after experiencing a stressful event, such as a divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one. Individuals may exhibit symptoms such as anxiety, sadness, or difficulty functioning in everyday life, but these symptoms are directly related to the specific stressor and typically resolve once the individual adapts to the new circumstances.

Adjustment disorder is particularly relevant in understanding how individuals may experience emotional or behavioral issues in response to identifiable stressors rather than having an ongoing or pervasive mental health condition. This context distinguishes it from other disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, which involve more chronic or pervasive anxiety and fear that are not necessarily tied to specific life events.