Emotional Distress

Emotional distress is a state of mental suffering or anguish that arises as a psychological response to a traumatic event, experience, or condition. It involves a range of emotional and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fear, insomnia, mood swings, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This distress is not just a temporary feeling but can manifest as long-term and severe psychological conditions that affect a person's mental health and daily functioning.

Legally, emotional distress refers to the mental suffering caused by an injury or traumatic event, and it can be grounds for compensation in personal injury cases. It includes non-physical harms such as anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, strained relationships, and other psychological impacts.

Emotional distress can result from various causes, including traumatic experiences (e.g., accidents, abuse, death of a loved one), breaches of personal boundaries, or situations that undermine a person's dignity or sense of safety. It can also stem from underlying mental health disorders or stressful life circumstances like financial strain or relationship difficulties.

In summary:

• Definition: Psychological aftermath or mental suffering caused by trauma or distressing events.
• Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, mood swings, loss of enjoyment, etc.
• Causes: Traumatic events, mental health disorders, stressful life situations.
• Legal context: Basis for claims in tort law under intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress.

This condition is recognized both medically and legally, though it can be challenging to quantify due to its intangible nature.