Which of the following is a warning sign of significant emotional distress?

• A. Increased interest in activities
• B. Feeling hopeless and overwhelmed plus loss of interest in activities
• C. Stable mood
• D. Energy boost

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested is recognizing warning signs of significant emotional distress, especially depressive symptoms. Feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, along with losing interest in activities, signals a meaningful change in mood, motivation, and outlook. This combination—persistent hopelessness, a sense that things won’t improve, and a loss of interest in things that used to matter—indicates distress at a level that can disrupt functioning and may require a careful assessment and support. It points to a potential depressive pattern and warrants attention from a counselor or clinician.

The other descriptions describe states that don’t fit distress as clearly: an increased interest in activities suggests engagement and positive mood; a stable mood indicates no major fluctuation; an energy boost points to heightened vitality—all of which do not signal significant emotional distress.