Pain is not always something you can see. Sometimes it lives inside you—silent, heavy, and impossible to shake. Maybe something traumatic happened, and even though the bruises have healed, the memories linger.
If someone else’s negligence caused this pain, it is not “something you have to deal with.” It is something you deserve support for.
In legal terms, it is called the negligent infliction of emotional distress. And while it might sound clinical, the experience is anything but clinical. It is real, exhausting, and has the ability to rip through every part of your life.
Here are five signs that what you are feeling might be more than just a rough patch.
1. The Anxiety Feels Endless
You wake up, and the knot in your stomach is already there. Your heart races at the thought of facing the day. Even when nothing is happening, your mind keeps replaying the worst moments—over and over.
That constant state of fear and worry is not about “being nervous.” It is the weight of trauma. Anxiety like this can make even the simplest things feel unbearable. And when it stems from someone else’s actions, it is even harder to carry.
2. Sleep Doesn’t Come Easy
Nighttime should bring rest. But when emotional distress takes over, it is anything but peaceful. Maybe you cannot fall asleep, or maybe you jolt awake, sweating from nightmares. The thoughts you push down all day come rushing back the moment your head hits the pillow.
Losing sleep night after night does not make you tired. It chips away at your resilience. And when your body and mind are both exhausted, everything feels harder.
3. Your Body Hurts, Even Without an Injury
Stress has a way of living in the body. Maybe your shoulders are tight. Your stomach churns. You get headaches that no amount of water or ibuprofen seems to fix.
This is not your imagination. Emotional pain often finds its way into your muscles and bones. It is called somatic pain, and it is a powerful reminder that what happened is not “all in your head.” It is in your body, too.
4. You’re Pulling Away From Everyone
You used to laugh without thinking. Call a friend just to chat. Go to family gatherings without hesitation. Now it is easier to cancel plans. Being around people feels exhausting. Even the people you love the most do not feel like comfort anymore.
Emotional distress can make you want to shut the world out. Isolation feels safer. But cutting yourself off can also deepen the sadness, making recovery that much harder.
5. Your Emotions Feel Out of Control
One minute, you are fine. The next, you are furious. Or maybe you burst into tears without knowing why. The smallest things—a sound, a smell, a comment—send you spiraling.
Emotional distress often leaves you on edge. It is like you are stuck in survival mode, reacting instead of responding. And even though you might not recognize yourself right now, that does not mean this version of you is permanent.
How an Attorney Can Help
If any of this feels familiar, you do not have to go through it alone. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights. They can listen to your story, gather evidence, and fight for the support you deserve. Emotional suffering is not something that should be dismissed or minimized. It is real, and the law recognizes that.
You may not be able to undo what happened. But seeking justice can bring closure—and sometimes, that’s what healing needs. When you are ready, help is out there. Always remember that you deserve it.
