An Electronic Mental Health Newsletter from Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D., P.A. & Associates Volume 18, Number 1
With the constant bombardment of emails, DMs, texts, commercials etc., we are being overwhelmed.
Most of us remember life as being much simpler.
But, due to the internet, social media, increased advertising, and global businesses, we are bombarded with news, commercials, connection requests, spam, robocalls, and the list goes on.
It seems as if very few things go smoothly necessitating some kind of response. For example, almost every company asks for a survey of your user experience, and you will continue to be asked if you don’t respond.
Technology also has frequent changes/updates which often result in calling Tech Support.
We feel like there is always some demand to meet. When these add up, we get overwhelmed.
We need to understand this, how it affects our health, and what we can do about it.
Our January E-Letter is entitled Feeling Overwhelmed? This Is What You Can Do! Dr. Kimmel’s blog is about Jigsaw Puzzling and can be found here.
We hope you find the enclosed information helpful and interesting. We also thank you for reading our E-Letters and for the positive and compassionate comments we have received.
FEELING OVERWHELMED? THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO!
Most of us like to live a life where we have some sense of control and events are predictable. However, when we have too many demands or things to do at any one time, we feel overwhelmed.
Feeling overwhelmed comes from worries that we will not get everything done, or done in time, or done well. It is basically a fear of not being in control. This feeling of anxiety can affect us both mentally and physically.
Overwhelmed people are inundated with thoughts, feelings, and physical reactions. The more there are, the greater the concern that they cannot be managed. This is a normal response to the number of stressors we have.
But constantly feeling overwhelmed takes a toll on our physical and mental health. If we don’t have very good coping skills, we can be in serious trouble, often turning to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other addictive behaviors.
If you feel out of sorts, fuzzy, not like yourself, sluggish, unable to focus, have difficulty breathing, and seem angry all the time, you may very well be overwhelmed.
There is just too much to do and not enough time. You may wonder how you can get everything done when there just isn’t time. This can lead to burnout and serious health issues.
There are strategies that if followed, can result in better management of overwhelming situations and reduce physical and mental health problems. We offer the following information:
FEELING OVERWHELMED? THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO!
You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying.
What you can do is calm yourself.
The storm will pass. – Timber Hawkeye
WHAT TO KNOW!
- There are various reasons why people feel overwhelmed
- Common causes are:
- Excessive amounts of stress due to personal challenges
- Being overcommitted; taking on too many tasks at one time
- Difficulty saying “no” to others
- Poor time management
- Dealing with change and uncertain situations
- Having perfectionistic strivings and unrealistic expectations
- Problems in setting and maintaining boundaries
- Conflicts between personal and business demands
- Life changes such as a new job, moving, aging
- Being in or seeing traumatic situations
- Being overwhelmed can develop into a habitual pattern, going from one overwhelming situation to another
- Stress from being overwhelmed can have long-term effects
- Consequences of being overwhelmed include:
- Thinking you will always catch up but seldom do
- Difficulty thinking rationally or critically
- Impaired problem solving skills
- Decreased self-care
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Feeling constantly tired
- Getting back in control of your life by setting boundaries and priorities can help you eliminate your feeling of being overwhelmed
WHAT TO DO!
- Stop what you are doing and walk away from the situation(s)
- Consciously take several deep breaths to relax and clear your mind
- Refocus on what needs to be done immediately
- Prioritize and structure by making to-do lists of no more than 3 items
- Learn to say “no” to others and other tasks
- Assign tasks to others where possible
- Do mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises
- Seek professional help if you are unable to manage your overwhelming feelings
WE PROVIDE IN-OFFICE AND TELEHEALTH THERAPY TO HELP!
Call us at 954 755-2885 or email us at [email protected]
Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D. P.A. and Associates
5551 N University Drive, Suite 202
Coral Springs FL 33067
As always, we are interested in your thoughts. If you would like to respond to this e-Letter, email [email protected] and we will publish your comments next month.
Till February…
The information provided in this electronic newsletter is not a substitute for professional treatment. It is the opinions of the writers and is provided solely for educational purposes. For mental health care, seek a qualified professional.
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Copyright © 2024 by Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D. P.A. and Associates.
