When I am at my lowest, my brain often feels like it is pacing. Back and forth from subject to subject, worries diverting into new thoughts faster than I can process them. Sweaty palms and erratic breathing follow the inability to slow down my brain. I am mentally overloaded. Well meaning people often suggest “relaxing” activities to ease this, like coloring books, white noise, or meditation.

None of this works for me, and I end up more restless than ever, upset at myself for being unable to “turn off” and enjoy simple activities. It took me some time to recognize that my brain really needs a different approach when its close to overloading.