Emotional distress is a state of mental anguish that may involve a variety of symptoms. It may result from a mental health issue or particular circumstances, such as relationship difficulties or financial strain.
Emotional distress is a broad term that can refer to a wide range of symptoms from a variety of mental health disorders.
However, anyone can experience emotional distress, even if they do not meet the criteria for any psychological disorder.
Emotional distress is a state of
Mental health disorders can cause symptoms of emotional distress that persist for long periods or occur in cycles.
The severe symptoms of emotional distress may be due to a mental health disorder.
Some symptoms of emotional distress include:
- feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or hopeless
- feeling guilty without a clear cause
- spending a lot of time worrying
- having difficulty thinking or remembering
- sleeping too much or too little
- having changes in appetite
- relying more heavily on mood-altering substances, such as alcohol
- isolating from people or activities
- experiencing unusual anger or irritability
- experiencing fatigue
- having difficulty keeping up with daily tasks
- experiencing new, unexplained pain
The characteristics of emotional distress may vary depending on the presence of any underlying mental health disorders. For example, in a person with borderline personality disorder, emotional distress may cause both angry outbursts and intense feelings of loneliness.
The causes of emotional distress vary widely, and they usually involve a combination of factors.
For some people, distress is due to a traumatic experience or event, such as a death in the family. It can also result from a wide range of underlying mental health conditions.
In other cases, certain situations can trigger emotional distress.
Emotional distress at work
The workplace can be a stressful environment. While some stress may be motivating, too much is often overwhelming.
According to the
- concerns about job security
- concerns about performance
- long hours
- low pay
- low quality working conditions
- increasing responsibility
- a lack of control over work
- relationships with colleagues or managers
Circumstances can sometimes build and combine in unexpected ways to cause distress. A person can experience this in any workplace and at all levels of an organization.
Long working hours may be a particularly potent cause of emotional distress. A 2021 study on Korean adults found that those who worked more than 69 hours per week were more likely to experience moderate to severe symptoms of depression than those who worked 40 hours per week.
An earlier study from 2017 also found that long working hours were associated with both depression and anxiety. It also found that these symptoms correlated with sleep issues.
Emotional distress at home
Among the many possible causes of emotional distress at home are personal or environmental factors,
- experiencing relationship problems with partners, other family members, or friends
- undergoing major life changes, such as moving home or having a child
- living in a neighborhood that faces inequity and a deprivation of resources
- having a low income
- experiencing discrimination
- feeling lonely or isolated
- having debt
- having an unhealthful lifestyle, which might involve smoking or low levels of exercise
Emotional distress can become overwhelming and affect daily functioning. The treatment usually involves identifying the triggers and practicing techniques to reduce stress.
The triggers of emotional distress are not always obvious, and talking with family members, friends, and a mental health professional can help people identify them and come up with alternative ways of coping.
For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a standard method of identifying and addressing sources of emotional distress. There are many types of this therapy, and the best type for each person depends on the situation.
Stress management strategies,
Some people use mindfulness meditation as a long-term strategy for coping with stress. It typically involves focusing inward to heighten attention and self-awareness.
Making certain lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and becoming more physically active, can also help. A wide range of evidence suggests that regular exercise can help alleviate anxiety and depression.
Even light physical activity can be helpful. A 2020 study found that adolescents who engaged in light activity had a lower risk of experiencing depressive symptoms at the age of 18 years.
Learn more about different types of therapy.
There is no clinical diagnosis of emotional distress. Anyone can experience it, and it can be a part of a mental health disorder.
It can sometimes be hard to distinguish between emotional distress and depression or anxiety. To help a person identify the cause of their symptoms, a healthcare or mental health professional may ask them about recent experiences and major life events that may be sources of distress.
They may also ask about additional symptoms that could indicate a mental health disorder, such as suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Many people experience emotional distress. It may resolve on its own or when a stressful situation concludes.
In other cases, the symptoms improve slowly as people adapt or find stress management techniques that work for them.
If emotional distress is unmanageable or not improving, it is advisable to contact a healthcare or mental health professional. Doing this is particularly important if there are other signs of a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
It is not always possible to prevent emotional distress. Unpredictable life events and other stressors can potentially become overwhelming for anyone.
However, the following strategies can help limit the impact of this distress:
- being aware of potential triggers at home or work and taking action as soon as possible if they present
- creating a support network of colleagues, friends, or family members
- joining a support group whose members have shared experiences
- staying physically active
- having a healthful diet
- taking breaks often, if possible
- avoiding smoking and the overconsumption of alcohol
- practicing stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness meditation
Learn more about stress management.
Mental health resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and resources on mental health and well-being.
Emotional distress is a broad term. It can refer to a wide range of symptoms from a variety of mental health disorders, but many people without any disorders experience it.
Whether or not a mental health problem is present, emotional distress can be overwhelming and affect daily functioning.
The symptoms may resolve on their own, but various strategies can help, such as practicing stress reduction techniques and building a support network.
If the symptoms of emotional distress are persistent or hard to manage, a person could contact a doctor or mental health professional.