1.3 Explain how distress may affect the way an individual communicates

This guide will help you answer 1.3 Explain how distress may affect the way an individual communicates.

Distress is a strong negative emotional response to difficult or upsetting situations. In health and social care, distress can affect anyone. This may include people receiving care, their families or even staff members. When someone feels distressed, their normal patterns of communication often change. They may find it harder to share their needs, feelings or opinions. Understanding how distress affects communication is important for providing effective support.

In this guide, you will learn how different aspects of distress can affect the way an individual communicates. You will also see examples and signs to look for so you can respond with empathy and skill.

What Is Distress?

Distress means intense discomfort or suffering. It is sometimes called emotional pain. Distress can be caused by:

• Physical illness or pain
• Mental health issues
• Sudden trauma or loss
• Difficult memories
• Challenging events
• Fear, anxiety or panic

Distress often leads to both emotional and physical responses. A person’s heartbeat may become faster, and their breathing may change. Their mind may race, or they might struggle to think clearly.

Distress does not look the same in every person. Some may show anger while others withdraw. The way distress affects communication will depend on the situation and the person’s usual style of interacting.

Effects of Distress on Communication

Distress often makes communication more difficult. A person under distress can struggle to express what they want, or they might misunderstand what you are saying. Their behaviour and body language may send mixed messages. Some common effects are explained below.

Changes in Speech

A distressed person might:

• Speak very quickly or slowly
• Mumble, stutter or repeat words
• Use a louder or quieter voice than usual
• Stop talking altogether

Their sentences may not make sense or may be incomplete. They might find it hard to find the right words. Sometimes they might say things they do not mean or use harsh language.

Non-verbal Changes

Non-verbal communication includes body language, facial expression, gestures and eye contact. When distressed, people may:

• Avoid making eye contact
• Stare fixedly at the floor or into space
• Fidget with hands or objects
• Cross their arms or hug themselves
• Appear tense or restless
• Cry, tremble or sweat
• Hide their face
• Show exaggerated facial expressions

Non-verbal signs can give you useful clues about the level of distress. Sometimes the person’s words say one thing but their body says another.

Reduced Clarity and Understanding

Distress affects how someone processes information. A person may find it harder to:

• Listen carefully
• Process complex sentences
• Remember what you say
• Respond to questions
• Follow instructions

They might keep asking the same question or forget what has just happened. They could misunderstand your words or the context. This can lead to mistakes and increase their upset.

Emotional Responses

Strong emotions often overwhelm logical thinking. When distressed, a person could:

• Shout or cry
• Laugh inappropriately
• Become withdrawn or silent
• React irritably to help

They may be more sensitive to criticism. They might say things that surprise you, or they could become upset by small matters.

Defensive or Avoidant Behaviour

Some people respond to distress by withdrawing from communication. You might see:

• Refusal to answer questions
• Short or one-word responses
• Turning away or leaving the room
• Ignoring attempts to talk

Others might become defensive. They could challenge what you say or seem suspicious. Defensive behaviours may include interrupting, denying problems, or making accusations.

Physical Symptoms Impacting Communication

Distress often causes physical problems, which in turn affect how a person communicates. For example:

• Breathlessness or shallow breathing makes talking difficult
• Dry mouth or shaking hands affect speech clarity
• Nausea or pain may interrupt conversation

These physical symptoms can make it harder to focus or interact. Recognising them helps you understand what is happening.

Examples of Communication Affected by Distress

It is helpful to look at real-life scenarios. This lets you recognise signs of distress and how it shapes the way someone communicates.

Example 1: Bereavement

A person whose partner has died may:

• Struggle to speak without crying
• Use few words and avoid eye contact
• Express anger when offered help
• Forget details or appointments
• Be unable to explain what they need

Example 2: Physical Illness

A person in severe pain could:

• Answer questions slowly or not at all
• Snap at staff when needs are not met
• Struggle to put feelings into words
• Appear restless and shift in bed
• Seem confused by instructions

Example 3: Anxiety Attack

A person with panic symptoms may:

• Breathe quickly and struggle to get words out
• Repeat concerns or fears
• Be irritable if pushed to talk
• Want to be left alone
• Show tense body language

Each example shows both spoken and unspoken effects. No two people react in exactly the same way.

Cultural Differences

People from different cultural backgrounds may show or handle distress differently. Some cultures encourage talking openly, while others value privacy. Cultural norms can shape whether someone:

• Shares emotions with others
• Seeks help when upset
• Uses eye contact or keeps their eyes low
• Uses gestures or prefers silence

It is respectful to allow each individual to express distress in their own way.

Individual Preferences

Personal history, mental health and previous traumas play a role. One person may seek comfort in conversation. Another may keep silent or react defensively. Elderly people might feel uncomfortable admitting distress, especially to younger staff. Young people may act out or self-isolate.

Getting to know the person’s background and routines helps you support them best.

Barriers Created by Distress

Distress often raises barriers to successful communication. Awareness of these barriers lets you adjust your approach to meet the person’s needs.

Some common barriers are:

• Confusion or lack of focus
• Not trusting the person offering support
• Fear of judgement or criticism
• Shame or guilt
• Feeling overwhelmed by too much information
• Language abilities affected by emotional turmoil
• Restlessness, fatigue or illness
• Past negative experiences

Removing or reducing these barriers can help someone begin to communicate again.

Impact on Relationships

Distressed individuals may behave unpredictably. Staff and family can feel rejected or hurt. Family members, in particular, might take sharp words personally. This can lead to misunderstandings.

A person in distress is not always able to behave as they would wish. Their ability to communicate can be reduced by their emotional state, rather than any lack of will.

Final Thoughts

Distress can change the way an individual communicates. These changes may be obvious or subtle. They affect words, body language, attitudes and the ability to listen and remember. Staff should respond by adjusting their own communication style and looking beneath the surface.

Effective support starts with recognising distress. It continues with patience, attentiveness and respect for the individual’s emotional state. By understanding how distress alters communication, workers in health and social care can better support those in their care.