Strained upset

Upset

Strength 3 of 4

Stirred up and hurting after something went wrong, with feelings spilling close to the surface, often as tears, a raised voice or an urge to talk it through.

In the body

  • A lump in the throat
  • A hot face and stinging eyes
  • A churning stomach

Needs behind it

When these needs aren’t met

EmpathyTo be heardHarmony

Softer and stronger

  1. Bothered
  2. Uncomfortable
  3. Disturbed
  4. Troubled
  5. Unsettled
  6. Distressed
  7. Rattled
  8. Upset
  9. Distraught

Often confused with

Distressed

Upset is stirred-up hurt that spills out as tears or a raised voice; distressed is pain that crowds out almost everything else and pulls you to look for relief.

Hurt

Upset is a general stirred-up state after something goes wrong; hurt is the specific ache when care or trust gives way.

Rattled

Rattled is composure knocked loose by a sudden shock; upset is hurt feelings spilling out, which may build rather than strike all at once.

See also

Frazzled