08/01/2026
Many people who feel overwhelmed don’t look overwhelmed.
They keep showing up. They keep coping. They keep carrying what needs to be carried.
On the outside: calm, capable, reliable.
On the inside: exhaustion, pressure, and emotional overload.
In therapy, we see this pattern often — especially in high-functioning adults and teens. Common signs include:
✨ Capable but exhausted You continue functioning long after your resources are depleted.
✨ Perfectionistic tendencies You push yourself harder than anyone else does, often without realising the cost.
✨ Internalising stress You absorb pressure quietly while managing a heavy internal load.
✨ Difficulty recognising early signs Because you’re used to coping, stress signals only register once you’re already overwhelmed.
✨ Masking distress You appear steady and composed, even when you’re struggling.
✨ Responsible roles, emotionally overloaded You carry a lot for others, and the weight slowly builds without a place to rest.
These patterns often become visible when the nervous system finally slows down — not when life is busiest. I
f this resonates, you’re not “too sensitive” or “not coping well enough.” You’re human, and your system has limits.
A single conversation can help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface.
🤍 You can book a complimentary 15–20 minute triage call with Lyndsay to find the right psychologist for your needs.
selfcentre.com.au
