1. causing or characterized by severe pain, suffering, or anxiety; deeply troubling or upsetting

Examples

• The distressful news of the accident left the family in shock.
• She found the loud noises in the hospital distressful and anxiety-inducing.
• The distressful conditions in the refugee camp prompted international aid.
• His distressful memories of the war haunted him for years.
• The distressful financial situation forced them to make difficult decisions.
• Watching the distressful documentary about climate change affected her deeply.