What is the expression of psychological distress through physical symptoms?
Emotional distress is a state of mental anguish that can take a wide variety of forms. It may result from a mental health issue or particular circumstances, such as relationship difficulties or financial strain. Show
Emotional distress is a broad term that can refer to a wide range of symptoms from a variety of mental health disorders. Here, learn what emotional distress is, what can cause it, and what to do next. Symptoms of emotional distress
Emotional distress is a state ofemotional suffering. The term encompasses a wide range of symptoms, but its hallmarks are the symptoms of depression and anxiety. People can experience it at any time, and it is usually temporary. Mental health disorders can cause symptoms of emotional distress that persist for long periods or occur in cycles. Some symptoms of emotional distress include:
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. Causes of emotional distressThe causes of emotional distress vary widely, and they usually involve a combination of factors. In other cases, certain situations trigger emotional distress. We give examples of these situations below: Emotional distress at workThe workplace can be a stressful environment, and while some stress may be motivating, too much is often overwhelming. Some causes of emotional distress related to work may include:
Sometimes, circumstances 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. For example, anolder studyfrom 2011 found that people working more than 55 hours a week were more likely to experience depression and anxiety in the future than those working 35–40 hours per week. Emotional distress at homeAmong the many possible causes of emotional distress at home are personal or environmental factors, such as:
Treatment 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 to family members, friends, and a therapist or counselor can help people identify them and come up with alternative ways of coping. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy 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,includingrelaxation techniques, such as box breathing and guided imagery, can also help. Some people use mindfulness meditation as a long-term strategy for dealing 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 in the Lancet Psychiatry 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 here. Diagnosis 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 doctor 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. Suicide preventionIf you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Click here for more links and local resources. When to see a doctorMany 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 doctor or mental health professional. Doing this is particularly important if there are other signs of a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Prevention 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:
Learn more about stress management here. Summary 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. If the symptoms of emotional distress are persistent or hard to manage, a person should contact a doctor or mental health professional. What is the definition of psychological distress?Background. Psychological distress refers to non-specific symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. High levels of psychological distress are indicative of impaired mental health and may reflect common mental disorders, like depressive and anxiety disorders [1].
What are examples of psychological distress?Psychological distress can come out as:. fatigue.. sadness.. anxiety.. avoidance of social situations.. anger.. moodiness.. What is an example of a psychological disorder?Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.
What is dysfunction in psychology?Dysfunction includes disturbances in a person's thinking, emotional regulation, or behavior that reflects significant dysfunction in psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning. In other words, dysfunction refers to a breakdown in cognition, emotion, and/or behavior.
|