Psychological distress refers to the symptoms and experiences of a persons internal life that are commonly held to be troubling, confusing, or out of the ordinary. It is a more general term for emotional discomfort and suffering, which can severely affect daily life. Psychological distress can be caused by certain traumatic life experiences such as bereavement, stress, lack of sleep, use of drugs, assault, abuse, or accidents. It can also be induced by discrimination, which places vulnerable populations at increased risk for experiencing mental distress. Psychological distress can manifest as non-specific symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Psychological distress can affect the body by causing negative reactions to challenges in daily life. People with moderate levels of psychological distress are twice as likely to die from heart disease or other chronic illness as people with low levels of psychological distress. People with higher levels of distress have an even higher risk. If you have moderate levels of psychological distress, it is important to take action to improve your distress. If you have high levels of distress, you are likely to develop chronic problems that affect you emotionally and physically.

It is important to note that the terms "mental distress" and "mental disorder" are not interchangeable, as there are fundamental variations between the two. While psychological distress can be resolved without further medical intervention, people who endure such symptoms longer term are more likely to be diagnosed with mental illness. Experiencing psychological distress does not always indicate the presence of a mental health disorder, but it can be a precursor to a mental illness. Seeking help during times of psychological distress may help individuals learn effective coping mechanisms to shorten its duration and mitigate any long-term effects.