Overwhelm is often a warning sign of stress overload that, if unaddressed, can lead to burnout a far more severe, disabling state. Managing overwhelm effectively can help prevent the progression to burnout. Mental Health UK’s 2025 report found that 91% of UK adults experienced high or extreme levels of stress in the past year.

Overwhelm doesn’t strike out of nowhere; it builds slowly, eating away at energy and focus until you feel paralyzed or stuck. When stress piles up, I check in with the Five Ps of Overwhelm. These five areas—People, Purpose, Place, Planning, and Procrastination are often the hidden roots of overwhelm.

We all reach moments in life when we feel lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the path ahead. For me, those moments have been both my greatest challenges and my greatest teachers. Today, I want to share my journey—a story of healing, reinvention, and the power of living authentically. My hope is that my experiences might inspire you to reflect on your own path and embrace the next chapter with courage and self-compassion.