Daniel LaCroix, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and serves as the Director of Inova Integrated Behavioral Health Services.
You’re not alone. We are living through particularly tumultuous and challenging times. Overwhelm is a feeling that we have too many responsibilities and can’t do it all. We’re stretched too thin, and we may also feel trapped. When we feel overwhelmed, it feels like the world is happening to us and we can’t change our experience. That sense of not feeling empowered to make changes in our circumstances is what really drives overwhelm.
It’s important to observe and study ourselves, so that we notice changes to our behaviors and moods before they become bigger problems. Signs of overwhelm can include:
When you’re stressed out and overwhelmed, there are several things you can do to help yourself feel better:
Sometimes, the self-care strategies outlined above aren’t enough to help. If you notice one or more of the following things, talk with your doctor:
Your doctor can help by listening to your concerns and offering some recommendations that may help. Your doctor might also suggest speaking with a specialist if your doctor thinks that would be helpful and can assist you with a referral.
We imagine admitting feeling overwhelmed to be a sign of weakness, but it takes real strength to admit vulnerability. You don’t have to go through this alone.
If you are dealing with feelings of depression, anxiety or chronic stress, a mental health professional can help you to develop the tools to help yourself. After meeting with your primary care physician they may suggest a referral to a mental health professional, or you may seek out care from a mental health professional directly.
To learn more about Inova Behavioral Health Services, call 571-623-3500.
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