It seems like this year is going well for me, but I still feel constantly overwhelmed. If it's not one thing, it's another, and it makes me feel overstimulated. My emotions sit right on the surface when I’m overwhelmed—something I realized while writing this. The littlest thing can make me go "grrrr." And honestly, I get a bit annoyed at myself for it. But hey, I’m learning.
Between work stress (hours being cut drastically) and trying to juggle everything else, it feels like there’s always something. I don’t want to just complain, but there’s a tiny, little snippet into my chaotic life right now.
And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. Overwhelm isn’t just a “me” or “you” thing—it happens to everyone. But for those of us who are neurodivergent, it can hit harder. Our emotions don’t always come with a dimmer where they can be dulled down for a bit, which is why I think people sometimes label us as "crazy" when really, we just process things differently. If you don’t know you have a mental health struggle, or if you don’t work on managing it, it can feel like a never-ending spiral and trust me that is no fun at all.
But here’s the thing: We’re not trying to "fix" ourselves. This is life. Progress over perfection. If we think, "Oh, I’m healed!" and then hit a setback, it’s easy to feel like a failure—I know I have. But that’s not how growth works. It’s messy and chaotic and that's okay.
Signs of Overwhelm
As I mentioned, my overwhelm shows up as irritability, procrastination, and task paralysis. When I think about everything I have to do, my brain hits all the "overs"—overthinking, overstimulated, overwhelmed. It gets to the point where I annoy myself.
Some signs of overwhelm include:
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Feeling irritable over small things
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Procrastinating on even simple tasks
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Task paralysis—staring at your to-do list but unable to start
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Feeling mentally foggy or emotionally drained
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Avoiding responsibilities because they feel like "too much"
Small Steps I'm Taking to Manage It
I’ve been making small changes to help myself navigate overwhelm. Here are a few things that work for me:
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Using a planner: I track everything—work, appointments, my Shifting Thru Chaos projects. I’m way more on top of things now than before.
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Naming my emotions: When I feel a negative emotion, I call it out. Then I decide how to deal with it—whether that means journaling, venting, or going for a drive and screaming (yes, sometimes that helps!).
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Talking things out: If a negative emotion is tied to a person, I try to address it calmly. It’s easy to lash out when emotions feel out of control, but that doesn’t help anything. Communication and accountability go a long way.
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Allowing imperfection: Whether it’s therapy, medication, journaling, or setting boundaries, managing overwhelm looks different for everyone. The key is giving yourself compassion through the process.
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Learning to say no: This one is still a work in progress. I tend to say yes even when my cup is already overflowing. But I’m learning to say no in small ways, and it’s helping. People will always want something from you, and if you’re a helper by nature (like me), it’s hard to turn them down. But taking care of yourself has to come first. Otherwise, burnout is inevitable.
Why It's Okay to Be a Work in Progress
No one has it all together. And if they tell you they do, they’re either lying or unaware of their own struggles. Growth isn’t a straight line—it’s a messy, winding road. Some days, it might feel like everything is on fire. Other days, it might feel like you’re making real progress. Both are part of the journey.
Give yourself permission to not be perfect. Celebrate every win, even the small ones. Progress is still progress, and every step forward matters.
Progress Over Perfection
Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing—it just means you’re human.
Find what helps you in moments of chaos and go from there. We all have our hiccups and stumbles. If you never had a rough day, I’d start to think you were a robot.
Just remember this affirmation:
"I am doing my best, and that is enough."
Want a Reminder? Download this affirmation as a free desktop or phone wallpaper!
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