Distressing experience (6)
'distressing experience' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for ordeal that I've seen before include "A tough time or hardship" , "Severe trial" , "Difficult and painful experience" , "Tribulation" , "Long painful experience" .)
'distressing experience' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for trauma that I've seen before include "Emotional shock producing lasting effect" , "Emotional upset" , "Deeply distressing or disturbing experience" , "Bodily or mental injury" , "Psychological 23" .)