The Imperfects Dr Emily - Overcome With Overwhelm?
Apr 5, 2026
Dr Emily, clinical psychologist who explains overwhelm with clear, evidence-based tools. She outlines the window of tolerance and what happens when we tip into hyper- or hypoarousal. Practical crisis skills are explained in short, actionable steps. Learn simple body-focused techniques like TIPP and why practicing mild discomfort builds resilience.
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What Overwhelm Really Is
- Overwhelm happens when internal or external demands exceed your "window of tolerance" causing hyperarousal or hypoarousal.
- Dr Emily explains the window as a range where you function; beyond the top you panic, beyond the bottom you numb or collapse.
Distress Reduces Your Thinking Brain
- The more distressed you are, the more and stronger strategies you need because cognitive control is offline.
- Dr Emily: crisis skills should be practised when calm so you can access them when amygdala-driven reactivity takes over.
Use TIPP To Get Through Crisis Moments
- Use the TIPP crisis sequence to rapidly change body state: Temperature, Intense exercise, Progressive muscle relaxation, Paced breathing.
- Apply these in high distress to get a quick "circuit breaker" so you can avoid harmful impulsive actions.
