E106: Why You Feel Overwhelmed (The Amygdala Hijack)

Gill discusses overwhelm. Getting overwhelmed is one reason we turn to alcohol. Maybe you drank after some sober time and then afterwards you don’t even know why you did. Or maybe you find yourself feeling out of control and needing alcohol or food to bring you back down. In this episode, you’ll learn about something called the amygdala hijack which prevents our rational thinking brain from working correctly. She explains what is happening in the brain when we get overwhelmed, how this tactic is used in the courtroom, and 3 strategies you can use to prevent overwhelm and calm yourself down without reaching for alcohol. Gill also shares a quick life update, because her own experience with the amygdala hijack has prompted her to make some career changes. She will tell you about what happened and what she's doing now.

What to listen to next:

E98: Emotion Intensity and How to Start Self-Regulating

E94: Drinking to Cope or Numb Out Doesn't Help, Here's How to Really Cope

E45: Emotional Overwhelm

E55: How to Power Through When You Want to Give Up

E62: Dopamine Deep Dive

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