STHS Behavioral To Shine A Spotlight On Understanding & Responding To Distressed Behaviors During Upcoming Online Seminar

For the next installment of its monthly “Let’s Talk Mental Health” webinar series, STHS Behavioral will highlight the indicators of emotional distress and what to do if you or a loved one experiences distressed behavior

Defined as a more than a fleeting moment of agitation or frustration, distressed behavior can manifest in many ways, often catching an individual off guard.

Referred to as a range of emotional and behavioral responses that individuals may exhibit when they’re feeling overwhelmed, in anguish or experiencing extreme emotional pain, distressed behaviors can typically leave an individual feeling hopeless, shaking the foundations of daily life.

At its core, distressed behaviors are the actions or reactions that indicate a person is experiencing significant emotional pain. These behaviors can range from subtle changes in demeanor to explosive outbursts that appear to come out of nowhere.

“Distressed behaviors can often stem from pent-up emotions, overwhelming stress, unresolved trauma or even seemingly minor frustrations that snowball into larger issues,” explains Jessica Becker, Chief Executive Officer, South Texas Health System Behavioral. “In order for us to manage this behavior effectively, it’s important to identify distressed behaviors, so that we can foster empathy and offer support to those experiencing them.”

From noticeable signs like hair twirling, nail biting, skin picking and fidgeting to strong emotions like feeling overwhelmed, helpless or hopeless, the symptoms of emotional distress can vary from person to person and can include changes in appetite and social withdrawal.

“Distressed behaviors are not a one size fits all concept. These actions and reactions depend on the individual, as well as the situation,” adds Becker. “Beyond physical manifestations and verbal expressions, distress can sneak up on a person in the form of self-destructive behavior. In extreme cases, an individual might even resort to self-harm as a misguided attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions.”

Ignoring the signs of distress in ourselves and others can lead to more severe problems that can affect mental health, relationships and an individual’s overall quality of life.

So, to help educate the Rio Grande Valley community on distressed behaviors and the toll they can take on a person’s well-being, South Texas Health System Behavioral is dedicating its latest Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar to the risks and consequences of distressed behavior, as well as how to recognize these emotionally distressed behaviors in ourselves and others.

Streaming live via STHS’ Facebook page on Thursday, June 5, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., a STHS Behavioral mental health professional will delve into the numerous ways distressed behaviors can manifest and highlight strategies to positively manage emotional turmoil.

For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Mental Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.

Who:     South Texas Health System Behavioral

What:    FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Mental Health – Distressed Behaviors”

When:   Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Where: Online via STHS’ Facebook page

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.