Mental distress is a broad term that describes the emotional and physical strain a person experiences when something in their life feels overwhelming, frightening, or impossible to manage. It can show up during major life disruptions like losing a job or going through a breakup or during long, ongoing stressors like discrimination, chronic illness, or poverty.
People often think of distress as “feeling sad” or “being stressed out,” but it’s much more than that. Mental distress affects how we think, how we feel, and how we function in day-to-day life.
The Three Es of Mental Distress
Mental distress is often described through the Three Es:
1. The Event
This is the thing that happened.
It might be something big (a layoff, a breakup, a frightening experience) or something small that builds over time. Almost anything can become distressing if the person is already overwhelmed.
2. The Experience
This is the person’s subjective reaction to the event.
Two people can go through the same situation and feel very different emotions. A small change for one person might be devastating for another.
Remember: Everyone’s pain is the worst pain to them. Practitioners should avoid comparing one person’s distress to someone else’s.
3. The Effects
These are the emotional, cognitive, and physical impacts.
Distress can lead to changes in mood, appetite, sleep, concentration, motivation, and daily functioning. If distress continues for long periods, it may contribute to conditions like Depression, anxiety disorders, or panic.
How Mental Distress Shows Up
People experiencing distress may describe:
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling “numb” or disconnected
- Losing interest in things they usually enjoy
- Feeling like everyday tasks take enormous effort
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Increased fear, worry, or irritability
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension, or stomach pain
Some people talk openly about their distress. Many others hide it even from the people closest to them.
Why Understanding Distress Matters
For practitioners, recognizing mental distress early makes it easier to:
- Offer grounded, non-judgmental support
- Connect someone with appropriate resources
- Prevent escalation
- Build trust with clients who may be struggling silently
This is especially important when working with disabled clients, who because of systemic and social barriers experience distress at much higher rates.
Most people do not say “I’m in distress.” Instead, they show distress through changes in behavior, tone, or body language.
Reflection Exercise
Take a moment to pause and consider the questions below. You can write your responses, think them through, or skip this section if now isn’t the right time.
- How do you currently understand or define mental distress?
- What feelings, thoughts, or experiences tend to signal that you’re becoming overwhelmed?
- Have there been times when you minimized your own distress by comparing it to someone else’s experience?
Notice what you’re thinking and learning. Take a break if you need one.
When you’re ready, continue to What is Trauma?
Disability and Mental Distress 