Introduction
Many people feel overwhelm from the stresses of daily life: stress from work, school or handling family problems can wear on someone's coping abilities over time. As stress continues to mount, people may begin to feel helpless in gaining control over their lives. A sensation of feeling overwhelm may lead people to developing anxiety, depression or suicidal tendencies. There are several methods that people can use to begin rebuilding their lives and gaining a sense of control, while outside intervention from health specialists or medications may be necessary for coping. A therapist or counselor may recommend that you focus on the changes you can make, while learning not to feel overwhelm with the facets of your life that you cannot change.
Gaining Control over your own Life
Consider the parts of your life that are making you feel overwhelm. Is housework piling up and you can't keep up with all of it, or is your boss giving you more work than you can handle? Consider any assistance you may be able to receive. Delegating household tasks to other family members can relieve a sense of stress, while seeking the assistance of co-workers at your place of employment can help relieve other burdens. You may want to create a "to-do" list and schedule times of the day when you will complete those tasks, which may help you feel more organized and better-prepared for the day. Scheduling in time for relaxation and fun, such as going to the gym by yourself or going to see a movie, can reduce stress and make life more manageable. Communicate your needs to those around you and express your feelings when necessary to reduce stress.
Getting Outside Help
Many counselors and therapists treat patients who feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Call counselors in your area, explain your problems and ask how often the therapist treats patients like yourself. You may go to sessions less than once a week, or multiple times a week, depending on your needs. You may be prescribed medications to help hormonal imbalances, which may lead to a feeling of overwhelm. Talking to another person and expressing yourself can reduce stress and lead to a greater sense of control. A therapist may also recommend actions that you can take to reduce stress, such as quitting a stressful job and searching for another that will make you feel happier and more productive. You may have to attend sessions with several different counselors or therapists as you search for a professional who can best help you meet your needs.
Tips and comments
If you find yourself fantasizing about hurting yourself or someone else, you should contact an emergency room immediately or enter counseling immediately to fight off these urges and feelings. There are several organizations devoted to helping people in a crisis, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which you can call at 1-800-273-TALK.
Relying on others is not a sign of weakness. Asking family members to help you out when you need it, such as baby-sitting a pet while you are out of town or helping you to do housework, can create a closer bond between you and your family member and reduce overwhelm feelings.
