Overwhelm: More Than Just Feeling Stressed
- Stephen
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
For many men, overwhelm doesn’t look like what they expect.It’s not always a public
meltdown - sometimes it’s quiet exhaustion, irritability, or that sense of running on autopilot.
In this article, we’ll unpack what overwhelm is; what’s happening in your body and mind; and suggest practical steps you can take to manage it.
What Is Overwhelm?
Overwhelm happens when life’s demands outweigh your ability to cope. It’s when the mental and emotional load feels unmanageable - no matter how capable you are in other areas of life.
The Neuroscience of Overwhelm
When you’re overwhelmed, your amygdala (the brain’s threat detector) is hyperactive.
Your sympathetic nervous system floods your body with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Blood is pulled away from your thinking brain (prefrontal cortex) and into survival circuits - making clear decisions and problem-solving much harder.
Common Causes for Men
Work stress - constant deadlines, firefighting, and feeling always “on”
Family pressures - financial responsibility, parenting, or caring for relatives
Major life transitions - redundancy, separation, or health changes
Unresolved trauma - old emotional wounds resurfacing under pressure
Self-expectations - feeling you “should” handle it all without help
Signs You Might Be Overwhelmed
Overwhelm can be:
Loud: snapping at others, overworking, constant busyness, trouble switching off
Quiet: withdrawal, numbness, procrastination, lack of motivation, heavy fatigue
Some men experience both - alternating between high-speed action and complete shutdown. This happens when your survival brain is pressing the accelerator and brake at the same time.
Why Men Don’t Always Recognise It
Men often describe overwhelm as:“I’m fine, just tired.”Or: “I just need to push through.”
These phrases hide the real issue and keep the cycle going until burnout or crisis hits.
Practical Ways to Manage Overwhelm
Name it. Awareness is the first step out.
Pause. Even two minutes of slow, deep breathing can calm your nervous system.
Break it down. Focus on one or two priorities, not the whole mountain.
Move. Physical activity helps shift your body out of stress mode.
Share. Talk to a mate, partner, or professional you trust.
Rest deliberately. Build recovery into your week – nature, stillness, or a hobby.
When to Get Support
If overwhelm is lasting more than a couple of days, affecting your sleep, relationships, or ability to function, it’s time to seek help.Speaking up isn’t a weakness - it’s how you protect your long-term health.
Final thought:
Overwhelm isn’t a personal failure. It’s a sign your load is too heavy or your system has been running in overdrive for too long. The men who navigate it best aren’t the ones who never feel it - they’re the ones who respond early and take action.
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