When Is It Time to Talk to a Therapist? How to Recognize When Distress Goes Beyond “Normal”
- Lauran Thomas
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
We all go through difficult moments—stress after a tough exam, sadness after a breakup, or anxiety before a big event. These are examples of typical distress—emotional responses that usually pass with time or change with circumstances.
But sometimes, the distress we feel (or witness in someone we love) lingers longer, feels more intense, or begins to interfere with daily life. When that happens, it may be time to consider professional help.
Here are some signs that a teen, loved one—or you—might be experiencing distress that requires more than just time or support from friends:
Typical Distress vs. Distress Needing Professional Attention:
Timeframe: Typical distress fades in a few hours or days. Clinical distress can last for weeks, months, or even years.
Cause: Typical distress has a clear trigger—like a breakup or a bad grade. More serious distress may not have an obvious cause and might show up as frequent crying, anger, or anxiety with no clear reason.
Intensity: Reactions like sadness, worry, or frustration make sense in context. But feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or explosive anger over small things can indicate deeper issues.
Response to Positive Events: Usually, we feel at least a little better when something good happens. If even good news doesn’t lift someone’s mood at all, that could be a sign they need help.
When to Consider Reaching Out for Support:
The distress is leading to dangerous thoughts or behaviors
It lasts longer than a few weeks and doesn’t seem to improve
Emotions feel out of proportion to what’s happening
You or your loved one avoid social settings, school, or responsibilities
There's no clear reason for the sadness or anxiety
You rely on alcohol or substances to cope
You feel stuck and unsure how to move forward
Download our free handout to explore all characteristics of typical distress and distress requiring professional attention:
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If you or someone you love is struggling emotionally, you're not alone—and you don't have to wait for things to get worse to ask for help. Learn more about counseling support for teens and adults at keystoneservices.biz, or schedule a free 15-minute consultation to talk with a therapist about your next step.
