"Emotional overwhelm is a state of being beset by intense emotion that is difficult to manage. It can affect your ability to think and act rationally. It could also prevent you from performing daily tasks. Emotional overwhelm may be caused by stress, traumatic life experiences, relationship issues, and much more. If you feel emotionally overwhelmed for an extended period of time, you may benefit from seeing a mental health professional. Emotional overwhelm occurs when the intensity of your feelings outmatches your ability to manage them. An individual is most likely to be overwhelmed by negative emotions, such as anger, fear, or guilt. However, people experiencing mania can be overwhelmed by euphoria. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it may be difficult for you to pinpoint exactly why. Often there are many stressors contributing to emotional overwhelm rather than one particular event. Your emotions may bleed into seemingly unrelated parts of your life. Here are some common signs that you are being overwhelmed by your emotions: You have a disproportionately big reaction to seemingly insignificant situations. For example, you may panic when you can’t find your keys. You feel physically ill or fatigued without knowing why. You have trouble focusing or completing even simple tasks. You find yourself withdrawing from friends and family. Your emotions color your perception of the world. For example, intense grief may have you feeling sad even during pleasant occasions. Therapy is often a helpful way to sort through difficult emotions, especially those that occur as a result of stress or trauma. In therapy, you may be able to: Understand the roots of your overwhelming emotions Explore ways to self-soothe, such as meditation Address recurring stressors that contribute to overwhelm, such as marital conflict Learn coping skills to deal with any stressors that cannot be prevented Treat any mental health issues contributing to overwhelm With each concern that is resolved, you will likely find that dealing with other stressors becomes easier. Even focusing on one or two issues can significantly reduce your distress. Even if your problems seem endless, know that therapy can help you manage your life one step at a time."