If you’re the type of person who is always aiming higher and striving to achieve more, chances are you may be left feeling a bit overwhelmed. It might feel as if there are always a million things to do and not enough time to do it all. If you are so focused on meeting, even exceeding expectations, you may feel stressed and overworked. This level of overwhelm can easily lead to burnout. 

If there are other things that will complicate your life – a promotion that brings new responsibilities, relationship conflict, family trouble, stress, loss etc. – things may begin to feel as if they are too much to handle. You may feel like a ticking bomb that’s ready to explode at any time. You may find yourself wondering how you can lift the burden, cope with overwhelming emotions and enjoy your life. You don’t have to continue to feel beyond overwhelmed. 

All at Once

Contrary to what many people may think, overwhelm isn’t just a feeling that comes with problems. It can come when too many things are happening all at once, so fast you hardly have time to process it all. Even positive opportunities and success can feel just like just another thing to do. If you feel stressed and overwhelmed already, and something negative happens, that event may feel as if it is the last straw. Before that happens, you can turn the tide by doing something concrete to prevent overwhelm. You don’t have to burn out. 

Do you Show the Signs

When you feel like you’re ready to explode, it can be helpful to check in with yourself. A person who is experiencing emotional overwhelm is likely to experience irritability, extreme anxiety, panic, even depression. When experiencing excessive amounts of stress you may be more likely to react in ways you aren’t proud of later over seemingly minor inconveniences. Your overpowering feelings may stand in the way of doing what you need to or making logical decisions. This may cause you to hurt people around you or fail to complete your tasks. All these signs can further complicate your emotional overwhelm.

There is a Way Out

Overwhelm happens to almost everyone at one time or another. While these feelings are common and understandable, you don’t have to stay stuck in them. If your feelings of overwhelm are left unaddressed they can easily lead you to feeling burned out, depressed, anxious etc. 

You don’t have to take on every task and you don’t have to fight every battle. It can be difficult to say no and to set boundaries. Counseling can be remarkably helpful in learning to do this. Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC contracts with therapists who can help you to learn and utilize these powerful skills.

Getting out of overwhelm and avoiding burnout can be difficult, but it isn’t impossible. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment. You deserve to feel better.

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