Managing Significant Emotional Distress
Experiencing emotional distress can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you're facing anxiety, deep sadness, stress, or a sense of being stuck, support is available. At PeopleSense, we understand that life’s challenges can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being, and we’re here to help you navigate them with care and support.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No matter what you are going through, there are resources and professionals who can help you find clarity, relief, and a path forward.
Understanding Significant Emotional Distress
Emotional distress can arise from various life circumstances, and it may manifest as:
Intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
Excessive worry, anxiety, or panic attacks
Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected from others
Persistent stress, irritability, or frustration
Difficulties with sleep, appetite, or concentration
Feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities or life changes
Thoughts about harming yourself or even ending your own life
These feelings may be triggered by major life events such as relationship difficulties, job loss, financial struggles, past trauma, health concerns, or long-term stress. While emotional distress is a natural response to challenges, prolonged distress can impact your well-being and daily functioning. The good news is that with the right support, you can regain balance and resilience.
How to Manage Emotional Distress
If you’re experiencing significant emotional distress, there are steps you can take to help manage your emotions and begin the healing process:
Talk to someone you trust – Connecting with a friend, family member, or colleague can help you feel supported.
Practice self-care – Engage in activities that bring you comfort, such as exercise, meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature.
Limit stressors where possible – Identify triggers and take small steps to reduce unnecessary stress.
Seek professional help – A trained clinician can provide guidance, strategies, and coping tools to help you work through your emotions.
Create a support plan – Knowing what steps to take when you're feeling overwhelmed can help you regain a sense of control.
If your distress is severe or persistent, professional support is highly recommended.
Where to Get Help
There are many confidential and free services available across Australia that offer support for emotional distress and mental health concerns:
Lifeline – 13 11 14 - 24/7 crisis support and emotional distress assistance – www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 - mental health support and guidance – www.beyondblue.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 - telephone and online counselling for those in distress – www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 - support for children and young people under 25 – www.kidshelpline.com.au
Headspace – Youth mental health support – www.headspace.org.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 - support for men’s mental health – www.mensline.org.au
Some of these services offer webchat or texting in addition to phone support- check out their websites to find out more.
If you feel that your distress is becoming unmanageable or affecting your daily life, seeking help from a PeopleSense clinician and your GP can provide valuable tools and support.
Supporting Someone in Emotional Distress
If someone you care about is experiencing significant emotional distress, your support can make a real difference.
Listen without judgment – Let them express their feelings without trying to “fix” things immediately.
Validate their emotions – Acknowledge that what they’re going through is difficult and that their feelings are real.
Encourage professional support – Offer to help them find resources or attend an appointment with them.
Stay connected – Regular check-ins can help someone feel supported and less alone.
If someone is struggling to cope, encourage them to reach out to a mental health professional or a trusted support network. For emergencies, contact 000 or attend your local hospital emergency department.
You Are Not Alone
No matter how difficult things may feel right now, help is available, and things can get better. Taking the first step to seek support is an act of self-care that can lead to healing and growth.
At PeopleSense, we are here to support you through life’s challenges with empathy, understanding, and evidence-based strategies. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to us. You don’t have to face this alone—we are here to help.
Contact us today to book a confidential consultation and start your journey toward healing and resilience.
