experiencing or doing something that is difficult, unpleasant, or painful

The country is presently in the throes of the worst recession since the Second World War. 该国目前正处在二战以来最萧条动荡的时期。

He's in the throes of a mid-life crisis that makes him pretty hard to live with. 他正处于中年危机的痛苦时期，很难与他一起生活。

See also: death throes