Emotional distress refers to a state of anxiety, stress or emotional pain caused by an event or situation that is perceived as traumatic. It can manifest in various ways such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear or guilt. Emotional distress can be triggered by a wide range of events including the loss of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, divorce, job loss, financial difficulties or any other situation that causes significant emotional upheaval. The severity and duration of emotional distress varies from person to person and may require professional help such as therapy or counseling to manage effectively.