OVERWHELMED DEFINITION:To be overpowered or overcome by feelings or circumstances PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Bringing a shaky hand to the forehead Holding a palm up to stop someone from dumping on more worry Waving people away Shoulders that drop or curl A chest that caves in Clutching at one’s arms or stomach Touching a temple while closing the eyes A voice choked with tears A chest that hitches A quaking voice Poor balance Mumbling, muttering Letting out an uncontrollable cry, sob, or whimper Uncertain (almost drunken) steps Sagging into a chair or leaning against a doorframe or wall Pulling the knees up to the chest and circling them with the arms Falling against another person Shaking all over Teary eyes Difficulty forming responses Holing up in a corner and placing one’s back against the wall Dropping or spilling things Shaking the head repeatedly A glassy stare; a glazed look Staring down at one’s empty palms Crumpling to the floor Putting one’s hands over one’s ears Rocking back and forth Closing the eyes Inappropriate responses (laughing, screaming, etc.) Leaning over with the hands on the knees Hyperventilating Loosening a belt, collar, or other confining article of clothing Touching one’s fingertips to the lips INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Weakness in the legs; a sudden need to sit down A wave of heat or cold Light-headedness Difficulty breathing Stomach discomfort (pain or nausea) and being unable to eat Ringing ears Tunnel vision MENTAL RESPONSES: Noise sensitivity Mental numbness and an inability to focus Becoming unresponsive to others, almost catatonic Wishing for comfort Irritability; desiring to be alone Indecisiveness Negative self-talk; feeling like one is dropping the ball, inept, or incapable ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Flight Snapping under pressure (screaming, yelling, hitting others, etc.) Fainting or swooning Weeping Hysteria Headaches or hypertension Muscle fatigue and soreness Seeking comfort in unhealthy ways Heart attack or stroke Chronic fatigue Insomnia Decaying physical health Hospitalization SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Verbal denial:I’m fine, really. False smiles and confidence Agreeability or false enthusiasm Masking weakness with excuses:Sorry, I stood up too fast. Feigning a headache or other malady rather than admitting one’s limits MAY ESCALATE TO:Anxiety,Hysteria,Depressed,Powerlessness MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Determination,Gratitude,Relief ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Collapse, crumple, hyperventilate, mumble overreact, panic, paralyze, quit retreat, shake, shut down, snap stare, stumble, sweat, tremble withdraw, yell WRITER’S TIP:When delivering emotional description, it’s easy to rely too much on facial expressions. Instead, look down and describe what the arms, hands, legs, and feet are doing.