anguishing

Anguishing refers to the act or state of experiencing intense emotional or mental suffering. It is the present participle of the verb to anguish. The term is commonly used in everyday language and literature to describe profound distress, such as grief, anxiety, guilt, or torment. It is not itself a clinical diagnosis, but it may be used to convey the severity of distress in nonclinical contexts.

Contexts: In personal accounts, anguishing can be about a difficult decision, moral injury, or ongoing worry about a situation. In clinical or research settings, it may be described as affective or cognitive distress without specifying a particular disorder. It can involve rumination, sleeplessness, or heightened emotional arousal.

Impact and coping: Prolonged anguishing can impair mood and functioning. Coping strategies include social support, problem-solving, and professional help such as counseling or psychotherapy. Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques may alleviate acute distress.

Etymology and usage notes: The form anguishing derives from the verb anguish. Related terms include anguish, distress, and suffering. In literature and journalism, anguishing is often used to convey the severity of a situation or to describe a person’s ongoing emotional struggle.