What is mental distress and why does it happen? 

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Overview

Mental distress is a  broad term used to describe emotional suffering that can affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, behaviour, and ability to cope with daily responsibilities. It is quite common and can range from temporary stress, such as feeling anxious during a busy period at work, to more serious psychological difficulties that begin to impact everyday functioning. The key thing is to understand that mental distress is not a sign of weakness, and it’s something that many Australians experience at different stages of life.

What does mental distress mean?

Mental distress is not a clinical diagnosis. It is a broad term used to describe emotional or psychological pressure that can make daily life feel like a struggle. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to recognise that you are struggling; distress itself is a sign that your mental health needs attention.

How common is mental distress in Australia?

Mental distress is far more common than you may realise. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Study of Mental Health and National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2020-2022)¹, around 21.5% of Australians aged 16 to 85 experienced a mental health disorder in the previous 12 months. Among young Australians aged 16 to 24, the figure was about 40%. These figures do not reflect the many people who struggle with significant emotional distress without a formal diagnosis, which means the actual extent of the problem is much higher than the data suggests.

Causes mental distress

Mental distress can have several causes. It usually arises from a mix of life circumstances, external strains, and personal factors. Common causes include:

• Work-related stress
• Financial pressure
• Relationship difficulties
• Trauma or grief
• Chronic illness
• Social isolation
• Major life changes (e.g., moving house, job loss, divorce, or having a baby)

In Australia, housing stress, job insecurity, and social isolation have also added to the rising levels of emotional distress in recent years.

Biological and psychological factors

While life circumstances can strongly affect mental health, a person’s biology and psychological factors can also play a major role. Brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine help regulate mood and stress responses. Genetics may also make some people more vulnerable  to experiencing emotional distress or developing certain mental health conditions. Personality traits such as perfectionism, self-criticism or low self-esteem, along with limited coping skills, can make it more difficult to deal with everyday pressures in a healthy way.

Common signs and symptoms

Mental distress can show up in many different ways.

Emotional Symptoms:

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Anxiety or worry
• Irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed or helpless

Cognitive Symptoms:

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Persistent negative thinking
• Indecisiveness

Physical Symptoms:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Headaches, muscle tension, or digestive problems
• Sleep problems
• Changes in appetite

Behavioural Symptoms:

• Withdrawing from family, friends, or social activities
• Reduced productivity at work or study
• Increased substance use (alcohol, caffeine)

Mental distress vs mental illness

Both these terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Understanding the difference can help you figure out what kind of support you might need.

Feature	Mental distress	Mental illness
Definition	Emotional strain: not a diagnosis	Clinically diagnosed condition (e.g., depression, anxiety disorder)
Duration	Usually short-term; resolves with support	Can be long-term or episodic or chronic
Diagnosis needed?	No	Yes, requires clinical assessment
Management	Self-care, lifestyle changes, counselling	May require therapy, medication, or specialist care
Examples	Stress after job loss, grief, and burnout	Major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, PTSD

It is important to note that unaddressed mental distress can, over time, develop into a diagnosable mental illness. Hence, early support matters.

When does mental distress become a concern?

Experiencing stress or low mood is a normal part of life. However, some signs suggest it is time to seek professional help rather than waiting to see if things improve on their own. Warning signs include:

• Symptoms lasting more than two weeks
• Distress that interferes with work or relationships
• Panic attacks
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Loss of interest in daily activities

If you experience any of the above, please speak to a Doctor, mental health professional, or call 000.

How is mental distress assessed?

Doctors or mental health professionals assess mental distress by discussing emotional symptoms, stressors in your life, your medical history, and your physical health. GPs use validated screening tools to assess symptom severity and determine whether a diagnosable mental health condition is present. Based on this, they provide a diagnosis, refer you to a specialist, or prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).

 Practical ways to manage mental distress

Immediate coping strategies

When distress is severe or overwhelming, these strategies can help:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Taking short breaks from stressors
• Talking to someone you trust
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol

Long-term strategies

Strengthening resilience often comes with small, ongoing changes that require consistent efforts:

• Counselling or therapy
• Regular physical activity
• Establishing structured daily routines
• Mindfulness practices or relaxation techniques
• Seeking professional guidance

Note: This information is for educational purposes only. You should consult a medical practitioner before attempting home remedies to ensure they are safe for your specific condition.

Can telehealth help with mental distress?

Absolutely. Telehealth has made it easier for Australians to access mental health support without leaving their homes. Through a telehealth consultation, a GP can conduct a mental health assessment, discuss symptoms, and suggest the right course of action. They can also develop a Mental Health Treatment Plan, refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist, or issue an online prescription where clinically appropriate. This is beneficial for those in rural or remote areas, people with busy schedules, or anyone who has limited access to in-person care.

Telehealth is a complementary option to in-person care. While it offers accessibility, please note that a medical practitioner may still recommend an in-person physical examination if they believe it is necessary for a complete clinical assessment.

When to seek professional help

You don’t really have to be in a crisis to seek help. It is absolutely okay to ask for help if you’re struggling. Speak with a healthcare professional if you notice:

• Your symptoms are worsening
• You are experiencing a persistent low mood
• Anxiety is affecting your sleep
• You find it difficult to cope with daily responsibilities
• You are having thoughts of self-harm

Conclusion

Mental distress is something many Australians experience, yet it is not openly discussed as often as it should be. Struggling emotionally is not a sign of weakness; it simply means you are human. The good news is that mental distress can be  effectively managed and improved  with the right support.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment.