The five signs of emotional suffering are profound hopelessness, neglecting self care, withdrawal from others, uncharacteristic anger and anxiety and personality changes.
Recognizing these five signs in emotional suffering, like risky behavior and or sudden isolation can allow for early intervention support.
The key signs that someone is experiencing emotional suffering include.
Hopelessness and being overwhelmed like expressing feelings of worthlessness and being trapped and or having no way out.
Poor self care and risky behavior, like neglecting personal hygiene, not bathing, showering, brushing teeth etc or engaging in dangerous activities.
Withdrawal and isolation, like pulling away from family and friends and avoiding activities that they once enjoyed.
Uncharacteristic agitation, like increased irritability, moodiness, anxiety or uncontrollable temper.
And changes in personality like behavior which seems different from the person's usual self or values.
If you or someone has any of these signs of emotional suffering, reaching out, listening without judgement and connecting with professional help is crucial to help them or yourself through emotional suffering.
Emotional suffering is also known as mental anguish and is a deep and painful experience that is caused by difficult life circumstances like stress, trauma, loss etc.
Emotional suffering often manifests physically through body pain, fatigue and illness, which requires active coping like through social support, therapy and self compassion.
Consulting a therapist, counselor or psychiatrist to address the underlying causes and developing coping strategies can help with the emotional suffering.
You should also allow yourself to feel the emotions without judgement as dismissing pain often makes the emotional suffering worse.
And ensure that you're sleeping, eating and moving your body, even if gently, to help release any stored tension.
And if possible, reach out to any family, trusted friends or support groups to break the cycle of isolation.