Why Am I So Overwhelmed All the Time?
Life can feel like a lot sometimes. Between work, family, relationships, and everything else on your plate, it’s no wonder you’re feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you’ve been asking yourself questions like:
Why am I so tired all the time?
Why can’t I focus anymore?
Why do small things suddenly feel huge?
If this sounds like you, take a deep breath. You’re not alone—and nothing is wrong with you.
At Mindful Healing Counseling, we work with people across Chicago and Illinois who feel just like you do: exhausted, anxious, burned out, and barely holding it all together. The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. There are ways to feel better, and we’re here to help.
What Does It Really Mean to Feel Overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed means your mind and body are carrying too much—and they’re letting you know. This can show up in different ways for different people:
You wake up feeling tired, even after a full night of sleep
You feel like crying out of nowhere
You can’t stop overthinking
You snap at people you care about, then feel guilty later
You avoid tasks because you don’t know where to start
You keep going, but you’re running on empty
If that’s you, your nervous system is probably in overdrive. You’ve been doing too much, holding too much, and giving too much—with too little support.
What Causes Constant Overwhelm?
There’s no single cause, but here are some common ones we see in therapy:
1. Anxiety
When your brain is constantly scanning for danger—worrying, overthinking, or expecting the worst—it leaves your body feeling tense and drained.
2. Burnout
Burnout happens when stress builds up over time without a break. It’s common in caretakers, parents, teachers, healthcare workers, and anyone who feels like they can’t stop or slow down.
3. Past Trauma
If you’ve been through something painful—especially as a child—your brain and body may still be carrying that stress. Even if it happened years ago, your nervous system remembers.
4. Too Many Roles, Not Enough Support
If you’re the one everyone turns to, but no one checks on you… that’s a heavy load. Many women, BIPOC folks, and LGBTQ+ individuals are used to being strong for others. But strong doesn’t mean you’re not tired.
5. Unrealistic Expectations
The pressure to be perfect, productive, or always “on” can quietly drain you. You might feel like you have to prove your worth by doing everything for everyone—without slowing down or asking for help.
How Does Overwhelm Affect Your Mental Health?
Chronic overwhelm can lead to:
Anxiety or panic attacks
Trouble sleeping
Trouble focusing
Feeling numb or disconnected
Low self-worth
Physical symptoms (like headaches or stomach issues)
It’s not just “in your head.” As the famous author Bessel van der Kolk, says “Your body keeps the score”. And when it’s too much for too long, your system starts to shut down.
You’re Not Broken. You’re Just Carrying Too Much.
Let’s get one thing straight:
Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re human.
You’ve probably been juggling everything—family, work, school, caregiving, healing from your past, or just trying to stay afloat—and no one handed you a guidebook.
Maybe you’ve told yourself:
“Other people have it worse.”
“I should be able to handle this.”
“If I just try harder, maybe it’ll get better.”
But the truth is, we all have a limit. And pushing through isn't always the answer.
Asking for help is.
How Therapy Helps When You’re Overwhelmed
At Mindful Healing Counseling, we offer online therapy for anxiety, stress, burnout, and overwhelm across Chicago and the state of Illinois. Here’s how we help:
1. We help you slow down
In therapy, there’s space to pause. To breathe. To not be okay. You don’t have to hold it all together in here.
2. We help you understand your patterns
You’ll begin to notice the thoughts, beliefs, and expectations that are running the show—and decide which ones you want to keep.
3. We teach real tools that work
From grounding techniques to boundary-setting to nervous system calming skills—we’ll help you build a toolkit that actually fits your life.
4. We create a space where you feel seen
Especially if you’re BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, or someone who’s never felt fully understood in therapy—we see you. You’re safe here.
Signs You Might Be Emotionally Burned Out
You feel numb or checked out
You’re always tired, even after resting
You’re irritable, forgetful, or snapping easily
You feel like you’re failing—no matter how much you do
You daydream about running away or disappearing for a while
If these feel familiar, therapy can help you get your energy, your calm, and your self back.
4 Simple Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed (Right Now)
Until you’re ready to start therapy, here are a few tiny steps that can help:
1. Try a “Name It” Check-In
Ask yourself:
What am I feeling right now?
What’s one thing that’s adding to my stress?
Naming your overwhelm can shrink it down.
2. Take a 90-Second Reset
Set a timer for 90 seconds. Breathe in for 4, out for 6. Place a hand on your heart or stomach. Let your body know: “We’re okay right now.”
3. Say No Without Explaining
You don’t owe anyone a full story. “I can’t take that on right now” is a full sentence.
4. Let One Thing Be Messy
Pick one thing—your dishes, your inbox, that text you haven’t returned—and let it stay undone for now. You’re allowed to rest.
Let’s Work Together (From Wherever You Are)
You don’t have to drive across the city to get support.
We offer online therapy across Chicago and Illinois—from your couch, your car, your lunch break, wherever you are.
Our therapists specialize in working with:
Women navigating anxiety and perfectionism
BIPOC clients carrying generational stress and pressure
LGBTQ+ clients looking for affirming care
People feeling stuck, numb, or like “too much” is never enough
We help you calm the noise in your head, let go of the pressure, and feel grounded again.
Start Feeling Like You Again
If you’re ready to stop feeling like you’re drowning in stress, we’re here to help.
Start with a free consultation—no pressure, no commitment. Just a conversation to see if this feels right.
You deserve support that sees the whole you. Let’s begin.
