Overcoming Mental Overload: My Journey and Tips
Mental overload can feel like a constant battle, with thoughts and emotions competing for attention.
I’ve always loved talking and helping people solve their problems, especially when it comes to mental health and emotions.
Even if I didn’t fully understand their issues, I’d listen from the beginning to help break it down and find a solution.
I’ve always been a fixer, like a Fairy Godmother waving a magic wand of common sense to help others have their lightbulb moments. However, when it came to my own issues, I was a complete dumpster fire.
My undiagnosed ADHD had my brain in overdrive, creating a chaotic scene like a John Wick movie, with all thoughts and emotions competing for the last seat at the table, resulting in a mess of anxiety and alcohol.
The Hypnotherapy Solution
A few years ago, I spent a couple of months’ worth of mortgage payments on hypnotherapy, and I have to say the result was worth every penny.
Nowadays this isn’t about people on stage clucking like chickens (to the amusement of their fellow holidaymakers) or lying on a therapist’s couch, following a pocket watch while dozing off. Instead, it’s like taking a deep dive into the subconscious.
From the initial assessment, where you explain the problems you want to work on, to being in a completely relaxed environment letting go of them, hypnotherapy is transformative. If I were to describe it visually, it would be like Dumbledore pulling out memories and placing them in a pensieve.
You know the thoughts, you know how they made you feel, but they become irrelevant. I felt free from a lifetime of frustration and confusion, no longer angry at the world.
Hypnotherapy helped me access common sense and logic, which are often clouded by emotions. It allowed me to step back from the chaos and clear the path ahead.
The Power of Writing
Ok, so talking is great, but sometimes there are things you might not want to share with others but need to release.
Another of the best ways to clear your mind is by writing. You don’t need to write a novel; just get pen to paper!
Whether it’s simple words or a letter expressing your feelings, writing helps release emotions we struggle with daily. Studies have shown that both talking and writing can significantly alleviate emotional burdens.
Before hypnotherapy, I had been writing about my feelings on and off for years.
It also allows you to track your progress over time. When you put your thoughts and feelings on paper, you create a tangible record of your journey.
This can be incredibly empowering, as you can look back and see how far you’ve come. It helps to identify patterns and triggers, giving you insight into your emotional landscape. Moreover, writing can serve as a form of self-validation.
By acknowledging your thoughts and feelings, you validate your own experiences, which is a crucial step in emotional healing.
Practical Steps to Manage Emotions
We absorb a lot of information and other people’s insecurities from a young age, rarely stopping to think about who we truly are. To start managing your emotions, ask yourself these three questions:
WHY am I feeling like this?
Identify and acknowledge your emotions. Understanding the triggers and underlying reasons for your feelings is crucial for addressing the issue.
WHAT do I need right now?
Determine what will help you feel better or more balanced. This might include self-care practices, seeking support from friends or family, or simply taking a break to process your emotions.
HOW can I manage this?
Consider healthy ways to cope with or express your emotions. This might involve talking to someone you trust, writing in a journal, engaging in activities that make you feel good, (like shopping) or seeking professional help if needed. The goal is to find constructive and supportive strategies to manage your emotions.
Whether you’re 14 or 40, it’s never too late or early to start letting go.
Again, If you find yourself overwhelmed, take a moment to pause and reflect. Use the tools and techniques that resonate with you, whether it’s talking to a friend, writing down your thoughts, meditation, or seeking professional help.
The journey to mental well-being is ongoing, and it’s okay to seek support along the way.
Starting today, make a commitment to yourself. Embrace the process of letting go and allow yourself the freedom to grow and evolve.
Who knows, you might even end up writing enough to create a book — whether it’s fiction or factual, your story is worth telling.
Celebrate each moment of clarity and each insight gained, as they bring you closer to a balanced and fulfilled life.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on personal experiences and should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any mental health concerns or before starting any new treatment or therapy. The author is not a licensed therapist or medical professional.