In this module, you learned that:
- The Three Es of Mental Distress
You learned that mental distress can be understood through the Event, the person’s Experience, and the Effects that follow. - Distress and Trauma
You explored how mental distress can become trauma when someone perceives a serious threat to their own life or the life of another person. - Subjectivity of Distress
You examined why mental distress is subjective, and why each person’s pain feels real and significant to them, regardless of external comparison. - Mental Distress and Disability
You explored the social and systemic barriers that contribute to higher rates of mental distress among people with disabilities.
Understanding mental distress is the foundation of providing compassionate, effective support especially for clients with disabilities, who experience distress at significantly higher rates.
Remember, you’re welcome to move through this material at your own pace and pause whenever needed.
Reflection Exercise
Think of a time when a client, peer, or someone in your personal life showed signs of mental distress. Without sharing any identifying information, walk through the following prompts:
Understanding the Distress (The Three Es)
- What Event took place?
- How might the person have Experienced that event based on their lived history, disability, or prior trauma?
- What Effects did you observe in their behavior, emotions, or communication?
Exploring Subjectivity
- How might this person’s internal experience have been more intense or vulnerable than what appeared on the outside?
- What assumptions if any did you notice yourself making about “how bad” the situation was?
Recognizing Systemic Barriers
- What systemic barriers like lack of adequate education access or lack of employment was this person encountering?
- What resources or services were available, if any, to help this person navigate these barriers?
Final Reflection
What does this experience teach you about how mental distress works and how you can show up more compassionately for clients with disabilities who face distress at higher rates?
Knowledge Check
Want to test your knowledge? This quiz opens in a new tab and is hosted on Google Forms.
Take the Module 1 Knowledge Check
Coming Up Next
In Module 2, you will learn about:
- Depression and how it functions
- Anxiety disorders and their symptoms
- What panic is and how it works in the brain and body
- Warning signs of mental distress to watch for
When you’re ready, continue to the Module 2 Introduction
Disability and Mental Distress 