A wide range of evidence suggests that regular exercise can help alleviate anxiety and depression.Įven light physical activity can be helpful. Making certain lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and becoming more physically active, can also help. It typically involves focusing inward to heighten attention and self-awareness. Some people use mindfulness meditation as a long-term strategy for dealing with stress. Stress management strategies, including relaxation techniques, such as box breathing and guided imagery, can also help. There are many types of this therapy, and the best type for each person depends on the situation. 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.įor example, cognitive behavioral therapy is a standard method of identifying and addressing sources of emotional distress. The treatment usually involves identifying the triggers and practicing techniques to reduce stress. having an unhealthful lifestyle, which might involve smoking or low levels of exerciseĮmotional distress can become overwhelming and affect daily functioning.living in a neighborhood that faces inequity and a deprivation of resources.undergoing major life changes, such as moving home or having a child.experiencing relationship problems with partners, other family members, or friends.Emotional distress at homeĪmong the many possible causes of emotional distress at home are personal or environmental factors, such as: For example, an older study from 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. Long working hours may be a particularly potent cause of emotional distress. A person can experience this in any workplace and at all levels of an organization.
Sometimes, circumstances build and combine in unexpected ways to cause distress. relationships with colleagues or managers.Some causes of emotional distress related to work may include: The workplace can be a stressful environment, and while some stress may be motivating, too much is often overwhelming. We give examples of these situations below: Emotional distress at work In other cases, certain situations trigger emotional distress. It can also result from a wide range of underlying mental health conditions.
The causes of emotional distress vary widely, and they usually involve a combination of factors.įor some people, distress is due to a traumatic experience or event, such as a death in the family. For example, in a person with borderline personality disorder, emotional distress may cause both angry outbursts and intense feelings of loneliness. The characteristics of emotional distress may vary depending on the presence of any underlying mental health disorders.
relying more heavily on mood-altering substances, such as alcohol.having difficulty thinking or remembering.feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or hopeless.Some symptoms of emotional distress include: The symptoms of emotional distress are sometimes severe and may develop into a mental health disorder. Mental health disorders can cause symptoms of emotional distress that persist for long periods or occur in cycles. People can experience it at any time, and it is usually temporary. The term encompasses a wide range of symptoms, but its hallmarks are the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Share on Pinterest Justin Paget/Getty ImagesĮmotional distress is a state of emotional suffering.