If you're struggling with overwhelming feelings, there are some things you can do to combat these feelings. First, you should recognize the signs of feeling overwhelmed. They can be early warning signs that you should seek help. Feeling overwhelmed is often a symptom of a bigger problem, and seeking professional help can help you find the root of the problem and develop coping strategies.
When we feel overwhelmed, our brains use up chemical resources to send messages to our body. These chemicals are sent to parts of the body that need them most. For example, if you're scared, your brain may move chemicals away from parts of your brain that control urination toward the areas of the brain that control flight and fight.
When you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to practice grounding techniques. These activities include deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, which can help you calm your anxiety. Another way to decrease overwhelm is to take a digital detox. People are more likely to be overwhelmed when they're constantly plugged into social media or email notifications. Therefore, you may want to disable your notifications on various apps and turn them off until you're feeling more relaxed.
If you can't find time to talk to your friends or family, consider writing down your feelings. Stream of consciousness writing can help you express your feelings and relieve anxiety. Once you have an outlet for your feelings, you'll feel better in no time.
Deep breathing exercises have been proven to help reduce stress. It triggers the relaxation response, which calms the nervous system and promotes relaxation. The 4-7-8 breathing technique involves breathing in through the nose for four seconds, holding it for seven seconds, and out through the mouth for eight. Repeat this exercise for as many times as you need to.
You can also seek therapy to deal with overwhelming thoughts and feelings. A qualified mental health professional can help you sort through these issues and identify the underlying causes of your anxiety. Once you understand the cause of your anxiety, you can develop better coping strategies to cope with the stressful situations in your life.
Although you should do your best to cope with your symptoms, you must know when you need to seek help. No one should have to live with extreme levels of anxiety. Reach out to your primary care doctor and ask for a referral to a licensed therapist. Check out our guide to finding affordable therapists.