People with disabilities experience mental distress five times more often than nondisabled people. This module introduces the concept of mental distress and how it commonly shows up in disability and employment contexts. It focuses on practical understanding rather than diagnosis, with attention to how distress can be shaped by systems, environments, and access barriers.
What this module covers
- A working definition of mental distress
- The relationship between mental distress and trauma
- Common ways distress presents in vocational and disability-related settings
- Factors that can intensify distress for people with disabilities
What you’ll practice noticing
- Warnings signs of distress that may appear in everyday interactions
- Situations where distress may be misunderstood or minimized
- How environmental and systemic factors can contribute to mental distress
Included in this Module
- What is Mental Distress
- What is Trauma
- Causes of Mental Distress for People with Disabilities
- Warning Signs for Mental Distress
- Module 1 Summary and Reflection
This module is designed to build shared language and context. You can move through it at your own pace and return to sections as needed.
A summary and reflection exercise is included at the end of this module for those who want to pause and reflect.
When you’re ready, continue to What is Mental Distress?
Disability and Mental Distress 