Feeling Overwhelmed

Feeling Overwhelmed?

It seems like the world is crashing and the expectations of everyday life are becoming more and more difficult to meet. You feel stressed, defeated, like you have no control, and are ready to give up. Your bucket is over filling with water. You feel BURNOUT.

Once a child reaches the point of burnout, it may be hard for your them to stay motivated or finish tasks. Children all the way up to high schoolers have not developed skills needed to cope with such stress. They may lack resiliency. And with the current world events many new stressors have been introduced into the lives of children and adults. As a result, overall health and wellbeing are being impacted. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help with coping and feeling more on top of things. Although stress in life is normal (and not always bad), not being able to manage these stressors is what leads to burnout.

Warning Signs and What to Look for

Below are examples of what it may look or feel like to be burned out and/or overwhelmed:

  • Unable to complete Tasks

  • Falling Grades

  • Unmotivated

  • Stomachaches

  • Headaches

  • Sleeping too much or too little

  • Changes in eating habits

  • Changes in behavior:

      1. Moodiness/irritable

      2. Withdrawing

      3. Easily crying

      4. Unusually clingy

How to Help

  • Create Routine

  • Make a schedule of what each day will look like starting with waking up and going to sleep

  • Get organized

  • Listen and Talk to your child

    • If your child uses words such as “worried,” “confused,” “annoyed,” and “angry.”

Or “I’m stupid” “nobody likes me.”

  • Help them identify why they may be feeling that way.

  • Ask “What would help you feel better?” “What can I do to help you?”

  • Create a mood tracker

  • Encourage your child to ask for help

  • Teach self talk

    • Tell the child to say… “Everything is going to be OK!” “I Got This!” “I can do it”

  • Brain Breaks-Encourage self care:

    • Stop what you are doing, close your eyes and take deep breathes

    • Drink plenty of water

    • Eat a healthy snack

    • Listen to calming music for 5 minutes

    • Read a book

    • Look at pictures

    • Exercise/movement, (Try Dancing for 2 minutes)

    • Draw/paint

    • Swing

Sometimes, the most important thing you can do when you are feeling overwhelmed to ask for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness.

Resources

  • Reach out to your school counselor

  • Reach out to your Insurance company for mental health providers or your primary care physician

  • Alexander Valley Behavioral Health in Cloverdale (707-894-4229

  • Sonoma County Behavioral Health
    2225 Challenger Way, Santa Rosa, CA
    (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for adults, children, and families experiencing a mental health crisis.)

    • 24-hour Emergency Mental Health Hotline: 1-800-746-8181