Breaking Free from Overwhelm: How I Stopped Numbing and Started Healing

I’m not so proud to admit this, but I understand now that the woman I was then was just trying to survive.

When I had my daughter, Willow, I was already drowning. The weight of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and trying to be everything to everyone was suffocating me. I was exhausted from trying to hold it all together—my career, my marriage, and now, a baby.

The truth? My plate wasn’t just overflowing; it was crashing down.

And in the chaos, I did what so many do—I reached for comfort in the easiest way I knew how.

How I Used Numbing to Cope

At that time, alcohol and junk food became my escape. After long, stressful days, I’d pour a glass of wine (or two) and reach for something comforting to eat—not out of indulgence, but as a way to numb the overwhelm. But what started as an occasional relief slowly crept into my daily routine—first a glass at 3 p.m., then noon, then before the day had even begun.

What I didn’t realize then, but see so clearly now, is that I wasn’t choosing those things. I was seeking relief.

See, we tell ourselves that if we can just find something external to make us feel good—food, alcohol, scrolling endlessly on social media—then we’ll be okay.

"If I can just have this drink, I’ll relax."
"If I can just have this meal, I’ll feel better."
"If I can just distract myself, I won’t have to deal with the reality of how I actually feel."

But the reality? Those things never truly fix what’s beneath the surface. They just numb it for a little while.

And eventually, you wake up the next day feeling even worse, needing more to dull the weight of the emotions you’re avoiding.

The Moment I Saw It Everywhere

I can’t unsee this now.

Everywhere I look, I see people doing exactly what I once did—trying to self-soothe in ways that only pull them further from their truth. I don’t view it with judgment, but with deep compassion. It’s a double-edged sword because, while I know I can’t force anyone to change, I also know what it’s like to walk that path—and I genuinely want to help.

• The woman stuck in a cycle of late-night stress eating because her emotional needs aren’t being met.
• The friend who always says "just one more drink" because it’s the only time she lets herself feel free.
• The entrepreneur running themselves into the ground, convinced that more success will finally make them feel worthy.

I see it because I was them.

I know what it’s like to live in a state of constant overwhelm and exhaustion. To feel like the only relief comes from outside sources.

But here’s what I know now: True comfort doesn’t come from numbing—it comes from understanding yourself.

How to Start Checking in with Yourself Instead of Checking Out

If you find yourself reaching for external comfort—whether it’s food, alcohol, overworking, or mindless distractions—pause.

Instead of reacting automatically, check in with yourself.

Ask:

1. What am I actually feeling right now?
Before you reach for that drink, that snack, or that dopamine hit, take a deep breath. What’s underneath? Stress? Anxiety? Loneliness?

2. What do I actually need?
Is it rest? Is it connection? Is it self-compassion? So often, what we really need is something we’ve been denying ourselves—peace, presence, and permission to slow down.

3. How can I give myself relief in a way that actually supports me?
Instead of numbing, how can you nurture yourself? Maybe it’s taking a walk, journaling, drinking water, or simply sitting with your emotions for a few minutes instead of pushing them away.

You Can’t Heal What You Don’t Acknowledge

Back then, I didn’t know I was avoiding my emotions. I was too caught up in doing that I never stopped to just be.

But the moment I started to acknowledge my feelings—really acknowledge them instead of covering them up—everything changed.

• I started listening to my body.
• I stopped waiting until I was burnt out to take care of myself.
• I learned that being okay doesn’t come from distractions—it comes from choosing yourself every single day.

If you’re reading this and it feels all too familiar, I want you to know something:

You don’t have to keep numbing.

You don’t have to keep running.

You are allowed to slow down, tune in, and take care of yourself in a way that truly fills you—without guilt, without shame, and without needing an escape.

And if you don’t know where to start, book a session with me. The first call is a deep dive into your patterns, what’s keeping you stuck, and how to create a plan that actually works for you.

What to Expect Before Your Appointment:
Before we meet, you’ll complete a detailed wellness questionnaire and intake form, sent via email from Whole Practice. This helps us uncover insights into your nutrition, internal function, and stress levels so we can make the session as impactful as possible.

You don’t have to keep pushing through exhaustion. Let’s figure out what you actually need—together.