Emotional Overload

For those with Anxiety, its easier to become Emotionally overwhelmed more so than the average person who can regulate these emotions calmly. For Chelsea, she becomes immersed by the thought of all that she has to do or somewhere she has to go. She will often unknowingly talk herself out of certain situations when she is overwhelmed, and other times, she will knowingly do it. As to her, its easier to procrastinate and withdraw from the situation than to actually work hard at getting through it. This is s a very common response to be negative when those emotional feelings are overwhelming. However, if she continually uses negative self-talk, she will do more damage emotionally in the long run.

The more stressed she becomes, the quicker she shuts down and moving forward is too overwhelming as she doesn’t necessarily know where to begin! So by learning and enforcing positive coping strategies early on, she can find solutions to those issues that are emotionally draining. This will improve her outlook on life; it can increase her ability to deal with problems. Improving her overall health and give herself more self-esteem and confidence.

Here are some helpful strategies to work on when this happens:-

• Try and recognize what is making you anxious and making you stressed?

For example:-

- Is there too much to do at school, work, or at home in “one day”?

- Are your friends always asking you to hang out and it's too overwhelming?

• Identify the signals, and how are you feeling about them emotionally?

For example:-

- Can’t breath

- Worried what others will think

- Overwhelmed stressed? Is it more comfortable to ignore everything?

Breathing ...not just for everyday life!

• What can you do to feel better and make the situation easier?

Change the situation: - Can I say NO?

- Should I be more assertive towards my needs?

- Can I do some of my chores now and then some later?

- Explain to my friends how I feel, so they understand?

• How can I change my reactions to the situation?

For example:-

- Accept help and support from family or friends

- Make time in my day to do a little bit at a time.

- I don’t have to go out with my friends for the entire time

• Change how you look at the situation.

- Look at how you can change negative thoughts into positive ones, using Positive Self Talk.

Turning a NEGATIVE into a POSITIVE

• The positives after you have accomplished something

- Look ahead at how you can feel after you have accomplished something

- I started the chores and ticked off some of the lists. Now there is not as much to do later on….."phewwwwww"

- I went out for a short time with my friends, and I’m happier in myself that I did go, it was fun, and my friends were so glad to see me.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a stress-free life for anyone - it's a normal reaction for all. However, the average person can deal with the ups and downs. For those with anxiety, it's more challenging and can stop them in their tracks.

I try hard to get Chelsea to look at the positives and break it down as by doing this, it's not so overwhelming. Trying to get her to RELAX before her emotions erupt and escalate and know that she can say “NO” at any time. (Not - no I’m not doing it, but no I can’t do all of it in one go) and by doing so, she is in control and able to take charge of the situation more so then it taking control of her.

Relevant Blog Posts:

Self-Care

Breathing..not just for everyday life!

Self Esteem and confidence

MENTAL HEALTH