What to Do When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Bodysurfing a huge wave is exhilarating. But you learn one thing really quick: Being on top of the wave is exciting. It’s not so fun when that wall of water crashes over you, and you’re sent tumbling out of control.

Feeling overwhelmed is a lot like that. Some days … well, you’re tumbling through an emotional ocean that’s crashing around you.

Many families feel overwhelmed. A phone call comes with bad news. You receive a text from someone with whom you have a strained relationship. Your calendar has no empty spaces in it.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there’s several things you can do. One is to listen to our Focus on the Family Broadcast “What to Do When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed” on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

Author Kay Wyma is with us to share how to let the truth of God guide you and empower you to bring life into balance rather than allowing the situation to own you. She shares the difference between:

• Performance vs. Purpose – How to define life with meaning and purpose instead of succumbing to an achievement-oriented culture that screams “more is better.”
• Appearance vs. True Beauty – Our self-worth should never be tied to number on a scale or an image in a mirror.
• Perfect Imperfection – Escape the lie that there are perfect formulas for parenting, marriages, and careers.
• Group Pressures vs. Belonging – Break free from the pressures of needing to belong to the “right” group.
• Do-All Pressure vs. Living in the Ordinary – There are many benefits to living slow and steady instead of giving in to “do-all pressures.”
• Bitterness vs. Forgiveness – Bitterness about past wrongs steals our joy from today.  Forgiveness sets us free.

Kay Wyma has written a book called Not the Boss of Us: Putting Overwhelmed in Its Place in a Do-All, Be-All World which is available for a gift of any amount. For more information, visit our website.

Another good idea if you’re feeling overwhelmed is to call us. We have caring Christian counselors who can encourage you, pray with you, and point you in a better direction for your family. We also have an extensive referral network for counselors in your area who can provide ongoing help. Call us during business hours at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Topics: Family and Home April 29, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura