7 Root Causes of Overwhelm That Are Affecting Your Physical and Mental Health!

Overwhelm is a state that affects many individuals from all walks of life and can have effects on both physical and mental health. It exists on a spectrum, ranging from mild stress and lack of clarity to severe overload with an inability to adapt to stressors. Some overwhelm in certain areas of our life can be completely normal to experience. However, chronic overwhelm is not sustainable and can lead to physiological and psychological dysfunction, such as physical and mental exhaustion, nervous system impairment, and, ultimately, burnout. It is essential to identify the root causes of overwhelm and address them to prevent the negative effects associated with this state.

Here are the 7 root causes of overwhelm:

Habitual unsupportive thinking and behavioral patterns:

Most often rooted in unresolved trauma, unsupportive thinking can manifest in a variety of ways. All-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, perfectionism, people-pleasing, loose boundaries, rigidity, and multitasking are just a few examples. These patterns are detrimental to one’s mental health, and it is essential to address them to prevent overwhelm.

Saying “yes” to things one should be saying “no” to:

Saying yes to everything, often stemming from people-pleasing or approval-seeking, can lead to a lack of boundaries and increased workload, contributing to stress and overwhelm.

Saying “no” to things that should be saying “yes” to:

Fear of change and stepping out of their comfort zone can prevent individuals from taking on new opportunities, causing them to miss out on personal growth and potential opportunities.

Lack of self-care:

Stress is the leading cause of chronic dysfunction, and lack of self-care is the leading cause of stress. Failure to prioritize self-care, such as proper nutrition, exercise, hydration, time in nature, sleep, and MORE, can contribute to emotional and physical exhaustion.

Lack of Clarity leading to indiscriminate action:

Working hard without clear guidance or direction can lead to inefficient efforts, resulting in little to no results, causing frustration and overwhelm.

Pushing beyond one’s capacity:

In our society, pushing oneself to the limit, or even beyond, is often glamorized and promoted. However, this practice can lead to nervous system overload, decreased cellular energy, and physical and mental exhaustion.

Being chronically tired:

Low cellular energy caused by one or a combination of these factors can lead to physiological and psychological dysfunction.

Related Blog Post: Cell Danger Response: Is it Keeping You Sick and Tired?

Overcoming overwhelm requires a proactive approach toward the root causes of overwhelm. This can include practices such as boundary setting, stress management, self-care, seeking help from others who can properly support you on your journey, and SO MUCH MORE. With awareness and the right tools and resources, it is possible to identify and address the root causes of overwhelm, promoting better mental and physical health and preventing burnout. Remember, “self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity.”

How to Get Support?

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Learn more about my approach with clients: My Health and Healing Philosophy

I believe ANY HEALING JOURNEY ultimately needs to involve addressing BOTH the body and the mind in the proper way and in the proper order, which will be highly individual.  

It also is a HUGE reason why I see many feel stuck on their own healing journeys because this concept hasn’t been adequately acknowledged, understood or addressed.