Feeling overwhelmed? These 5 reasons might be behind it

             Written by: Ehsan Siddiqui

22 September 2025

Some days, life's demands can feel a little too much, and you feel like you're drowning. Feeling overwhelmed can drain you mentally and physically. Let's take a look at 5 possible causes. 

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Our minds can only take so much at once. When bombarded with responsibilities, information, and distractions, we experience cognitive overload. This leads to a feeling trapped and unable to perform.

Cognitive Overload

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Change is exciting and hopeful, but it can also be overwhelming. Moving to a new place, starting a new job, or returning to school are significant transitions. These life changes may overwhelm you.

Change

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Experiencing or recalling traumatic events such as losing a loved one, being in an accident, or losing a career, among others, can leave you overwhelmed.

Trauma

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Prolonged exposure to stress, such as work pressures or personal issues, can result in a state of perpetual tension and, eventually, burnout.

Stress

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Your mental and physical well-being are inextricably linked. A diet deficient in vital nutrients or inadequate sleep can impair your brain's ability to handle stress.

Poor Diet & Sleep

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