The Five P’s Of Overwhelm (and How to Cap It)

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.