Why Do I Feel Everything So Deeply? Understanding Emotional Overwhelm in Teens and Young Adults

Oct 22

Have you ever had one of those days where even the smallest thing, like a text left on “read” or a teacher’s comment, feels like too much? Maybe your chest tightens, your mind races, or you suddenly want to cry, even though you’re not sure why. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Feeling everything so deeply can be exhausting, confusing, and sometimes isolating.

As a therapist who works with teens and young adults here in British Columbia, I see this every day. Many young people describe it as “feeling too much” or being “emotionally overwhelmed.” There’s a reason your emotions feel big, and there are ways to understand and manage them with compassion.

What Does “Emotional Overwhelm” Really Mean?

When emotions come faster and stronger than we can process, our brains can go into overload. It’s not a sign that you’re weak. It’s your body’s way of saying that something matters. Emotional overwhelm can show up as:

Feeling “on edge” or easily irritated
Crying often or feeling numb after strong emotions
Trouble concentrating or sleeping
Overreacting to small stressors
Avoiding people or situations because it’s “just too much”

According to CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), emotional intensity is common during adolescence because the brain areas involved in emotion and reasoning are still developing. Your emotions aren’t broken; they’re growing.

Why Do I Feel Things So Strongly?

There are a few reasons why young people might feel emotions more intensely:

Biology and Brain Development
During your teen and young adult years, your emotional brain (the amygdala) develops faster than your logical brain (the prefrontal cortex). That means your reactions can feel big before your reasoning catches up.
Stress and Expectations
School, relationships, social media, and future planning can pile up. When your brain is constantly “on,” it’s harder to regulate emotions.
Unprocessed Feelings or Triggers
Sometimes strong emotions come from past experiences that were never fully understood or expressed.
Sensitive Temperament
Some people are naturally more emotionally attuned. This can be a strength because it means you notice details others might miss, but it also means you may feel things more deeply.

The good news is that you can learn to manage those big feelings without shutting them down.

How Can Therapy Help? (And What Is Emotional Regulation, Anyway?)

Emotional regulation means noticing your feelings, understanding them, and responding in a way that helps you instead of hurts you. It’s not about suppressing your emotions. It’s about learning how to ride the wave instead of being swept away.

In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), we often start by helping you identify your thought-feeling-action cycle. For example:

“I failed my test → I’m a failure → I feel hopeless → I stop trying.”

CBT helps you step back and notice the thought (“I’m a failure”) that fuels the feeling (hopelessness). Then, you learn to challenge that thought and replace it with something more balanced:

“I didn’t do well on this test, but I can learn from it and try again.”

Over time, this builds emotional flexibility, which is the ability to experience strong emotions without being controlled by them.

Here are a few simple CBT-inspired tools you can try:

Name the emotion: Label what you feel (“I’m anxious,” “I’m disappointed”). Naming reduces intensity.
Pause before reacting: Take three deep breaths or step outside for a moment.
Check your thoughts: Ask, “Is this thought true?”
Ground yourself in the present: Focus on your senses—what you can see, hear, and touch.

These techniques, combined with gentle guidance in therapy, can help you better understand yourself and build emotional confidence.

Is It Normal to Need Support?

Absolutely. Many young people in BC seek help when emotions feel too big. In fact, resources like HealthLink BC encourage young people to reach out early, not only in crisis. Therapy isn’t just for when things are falling apart. It’s for learning skills that make life easier and more meaningful.

In counselling, you’ll find a space that’s non-judgmental, collaborative, and focused on helping you feel calm and in control. It’s not about fixing you; it’s about supporting you as you grow.

So What Can You Do Next?

If you’re feeling everything all at once, start with small steps:

Notice your feelings instead of fighting them.
Practise one grounding technique each day.
Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, parent, teacher, or counsellor.
Consider connecting with a therapist who understands what it’s like to navigate emotions in today’s world.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Many young people find that with the right support, they start to feel calmer, more confident, and more capable of handling life’s ups and downs.

A Gentle Invitation

If you’re in British Columbia and want support learning emotional regulation, therapy can help. Together, we can explore what’s underneath your emotional overwhelm and build practical tools to help you feel grounded again.

You can also learn more about my counselling services and how they support young people in BC to understand what this support looks like.

Reach out to learn more or book a consultation. Your feelings deserve understanding and care.

FAQ

Q: What is emotional overwhelm?
Emotional overwhelm happens when your feelings become so strong or fast that they’re hard to manage. It’s common among teens and young adults and can be managed with support and strategies like CBT.

Q: How can CBT help me manage my emotions?
CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thoughts that fuel strong emotions. Over time, it builds emotional awareness and confidence in handling life’s challenges.

Q: When should I consider therapy for emotional overwhelm?
If emotions are affecting your sleep, relationships, or motivation, it might be time to connect with a therapist who can help you learn emotional regulation tools.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you're struggling with emotional overwhelm or mental health issues, please consult with a qualified mental health professional.

Natalie Ranspot, MCP, RCC

Natalie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over eight years of experience supporting young people and their families. Drawing from CBT, DBT, EFFT, and trauma-informed approaches, she blends warmth and validation with practical tools to help teens and young adults feel calmer, more confident, and connected. Outside of counselling, she also coaches youth volleyball and enjoys the company of her dog, Pasley — a therapy dog in training who often brings smiles to sessions. Reach out or book a free 15-minute consultation to determine if her approach is a good fit for you.