Causes of Distress

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Distress is a particular kind of stress that many of us will undoubtedly experience at some time in our lives.Many of us think of distress as being the emotion felt in a situation that is perhaps life threatening or frightening. For example, seeing someone hurt in an accident can be considered distressing. Good and Bad Stress Stress is broken down into two categories: good and bad. Distress is classed in medical circles as a negative stress. Eustress for example would be considered a good stress – or to give it its medical term – a positive stress. Eustress is the feeling of excitement that we feel in our lives when – for instance – we purchase a new car or find that we have won a prize or feel loved. This is a positive – or good – stress. As already indicated distress is a negative stress or negative emotion. But it is not solely limited to events such as witnessing an accident or being involved in an accident or feeling that we are in mortal peril.Distress can be felt in any of the following: The death of a loved one Relationship difficulties Terminal illness Financial hardship Difficulties at work Distress can have serious effects on an individual’s ability to cope in any of the aforementioned scenarios leaving them in a state of shock or with an inability to communicate. The trauma of losing a loved one can leave the sufferer of distress feeling frightened and alone and give the impression that their life is crumbling around them. This is because the mind runs wild with a variety of different thoughts and emotions, which are very vivid and become not just thoughts but very real possibilities. Times of Distress Grief is often referred to as distressing because it leaves the sufferer feeling isolated and many people who have experienced grief will say that they have simply gone through the motions without actually being
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