Are recurring distress and family problems, despite commitment to acts of worship, considered "a life of hardship" or a tribulation?

Affliction may be for expiation of sins, or for raising one's ranks, or for testing the believers, or as a punishment for sins. It may be difficult to distinguish between these types, and what is obligatory is patience in the face of affliction, seeking recompense [from Allah], and repentance from every sin.