You might find yourself using substances or behaviours to cope with pain, stress, or emptiness even when it’s hurting parts of your life you care about. It can feel like you’re stuck in a cycle you didn’t choose, ashamed or isolated, and unsure how to stop. You may long for change but feel overwhelmed by the idea of facing things without your usual ways of coping.

You may find yourself constantly on edge, overthinking, or struggling to quiet your mind. Anxiety can show up as racing thoughts, restlessness, trouble sleeping, or a persistent sense that something is wrong even when you can’t quite name what it is. Worry might leave you feeling stuck in “what if” thinking, making everyday decisions feel overwhelming.

If you’ve lived through ongoing or repeated trauma, you might feel on edge even in safe situations, or like you’re always bracing for something to go wrong. It can be hard to trust, to feel close to others, or even to feel fully present in your own body. You might carry a deep sense of shame, confusion, or emotional overwhelm that’s hard to explain but very real.

You might be feeling weighed down, disconnected, or simply exhausted emotionally and physically. Depression can show up as a loss of motivation, difficulty enjoying things that once brought you joy, or a sense of emptiness that’s hard to explain. You may find yourself withdrawing from others, struggling with self-worth, or just going through the motions. These feelings can be isolating, but you don’t have to face them alone.

You may find yourself zoning out, feeling disconnected from your body, or moving through life on autopilot. Dissociation can be the mind’s way of coping with overwhelm or past trauma, making it hard to stay present or feel fully “here.” Constant distraction whether through work, screens, or keeping busy can be a way to avoid feelings that feel too heavy to face. These are understandable responses to pain, but they don’t have to define your life.

Going through a separation, divorce or experiencing ongoing family conflict can be incredibly painful and disorienting. Whether you’re facing the end of a relationship, navigating co-parenting challenges, or dealing with long-standing family tension, the emotional toll can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or alone.

Navigating the shift into adulthood can bring excitement and uncertainty. You may be exploring your identity, adjusting relationships, or making big decisions about school, work, and independence. Exploring who you are and who you want to be can aid in finding a direction that feels right for you.

You might feel like your emotions come on fast and strong sometimes out of nowhere and it can be hard to understand or manage them. One moment you’re fine, the next you’re overwhelmed, angry, tearful, or shut down. Emotional dysregulation can leave you feeling out of control, ashamed, or like you’re “too much”. These reactions often have deeper roots.

Life transitions whether expected or sudden can bring up a mix of emotions: uncertainty, grief, hope, or fear. You might be starting a new job, starting or finishing school, ending a relationship, moving, becoming a parent, or questioning your direction in life. Even positive changes can feel overwhelming when they shake up your sense of identity or stability.

You might be feeling lost, numb, or overwhelmed by waves of sadness that come without warning. You might be struggling to make sense of life after a loss whether it’s a person, a relationship, or a part of your identity. Even when people around you seem to move on, you might feel stuck or like no one truly understands what you’re carrying.

Relationships can be a source of deep connection and they can also bring stress, confusion, and pain. You might be struggling with communication, trust, boundaries, or feeling unseen in your relationships. Whether it’s with a partner, family member, friend, or even patterns that repeat across different relationships, these challenges can leave you feeling stuck or disconnected. 

Trauma isn’t just about what happened it’s also about how it lives on in the body, mind, and nervous system. You might feel hyper-aware, numb, easily triggered, or stuck in patterns that don’t make sense until you look at what you’ve been through. Whether your trauma is connected to a specific event or a series of experiences over time, its impact is real.