* Physical pain: Anguish can be a response to severe physical pain or injury.
* Emotional distress: Grief, loss, fear, guilt, and shame can all lead to feelings of anguish.
* Mental illness: Anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health conditions can cause intense feelings of anguish.
* Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event, such as a car accident or assault, can trigger anguish.
Here are some synonyms for anguish:
* Agony
* Distress
* Torment
* Despair
* Woe
* Suffering
Here are some examples of how anguish might be used in a sentence:
* "The news of her child's illness filled her with anguish."
* "He felt a deep anguish at the loss of his job."
* "The sight of the starving children caused him to feel anguish."
Key characteristics of anguish:
* Intense: It's not a mild discomfort, but a powerful and overwhelming feeling.
* Prolonged: Anguish can last for a long time, even after the initial cause is gone.
* Destroys peace: It disrupts normal functioning and can lead to difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating.
* Can be paralyzing: Anguish can make it hard to take action or even to think clearly.
It's important to remember that anguish is a normal human emotion, but if it's severe or persistent, it's important to seek professional help.