The Window of Tolerance: Why You Sometimes Shut Down or Become Overwhelmed

Have you ever found yourself becoming overwhelmed by something that normally would not bother you? Perhaps a difficult conversation leaves you feeling anxious for hours, a small disagreement with your partner feels impossible to navigate, or a stressful day at work leaves you emotionally exhausted. At other times, you might experience the opposite. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you shut down. You become distant, numb, or disconnected from your emotions, finding it difficult to think clearly or engage with the people around you.