Why Do I Worry So Much? Why Can’t I Turn My Brain Off? Why Do I Always Feel Overwhelmed?

If you’ve ever caught yourself asking these questions, you’re not alone. Many people I meet in therapy describe feeling like their brain just won’t stop running, like they’re constantly “on edge,” or that life feels heavier than it should.

Let’s break down what’s happening and why you might feel this way.

Why Do I Worry About Everything?

Worry is your brain’s way of trying to keep you safe. It scans for problems, plans for the worst-case scenario, and works overtime to prepare you for every possibility.

But here’s the catch: when worry becomes constant, it doesn’t feel protective—it feels exhausting.

You might notice you worry a lot if:

• You’ve been through stressful times in the past

• You feel responsible for making sure nothing goes wrong

• You’re always waiting for “the other shoe to drop”

• Your body feels tense or restless most of the time

* Worry is like an overactive guard dog—meant to protect you, but barking at every sound, even when there’s no real danger.

Why Can’t I Turn My Brain Off?

If your thoughts race at night or you can’t seem to stop overthinking, it’s usually because your nervous system is stuck in high alert mode.

This can show up as:

• Lying awake replaying your day or imagining every “what if”

• Feeling like you’re never truly relaxed, even during downtime

• Jumping from thought to thought without being able to focus

• Struggling to shut off work mode, parent mode, or “fixer mode”

* Imagine your mind as a computer with too many tabs open. It keeps running, even when you want it to shut down.

Why Do I Always Feel Overwhelmed?

Overwhelm happens when your brain and body carry too much stress without enough space to recharge.

You might feel overwhelmed when:

• Your to-do list never ends and rest feels impossible

• Small things suddenly feel like “too much”

• You’re balancing responsibilities at work, home, or in relationships

• Your brain is already tired from worry and overthinking

* When your stress bucket is full, even a single drop can make it overflow.

What Can Help

The good news is—these feelings don’t have to control your life. Small shifts can make a big difference.

• Breathing and grounding exercises calm your nervous system.

• Writing down your worries gives your thoughts a place to go.

• Creating wind-down routines helps your brain know it’s safe to rest.

• Therapy provides tools and support so you don’t have to manage it all alone.

Final Thoughts

If you’re constantly asking yourself, “Why do I worry so much? Why can’t I turn my brain off? Why do I always feel overwhelmed?”—it’s not because you’re weak or broken. It means your brain and body are working overtime to keep you safe, but they need new strategies. 

You don’t have to keep carrying this alone. If you’re ready to feel calmer, more in control, and less overwhelmed, I’d love to help. 

Contact me today to schedule a session and take the first step toward relief.