Feeling stressed, unsupported, and exhausted? Let’s explore the psychological intricacies of over functioning, as seen through the lens of therapy
🌪️ When anxiety hits, our brains often shift into autopilot mode, seeking the quickest route to soothe ourselves and everyone around us. For many, that swift strategy involves taking on excessive responsibility for family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. This phenomenon is known as overfunctioning. 🚦
But here’s the catch—overfunctioning for others can be counterproductive, and you may not even realise you’re caught in this cycle. It’s time to break free and nurture your well-being.
Check out my guide below for actionable solutions👇
🔗 Guide to Overcoming Overfunctioning
🦋 There is a poignant story of a man and a butterfly.
He discovered a chrysalis fallen in the road, and out of concern, he brought it home, wanting to protect the emerging butterfly. Yet, as he watched, he noticed a small hole in the chrysalis, and inside, a struggling butterfly. The creature’s efforts were Herculean, but it couldn’t break free. Moments of surrender followed, and the man, worried for the butterfly, intervened with scissors. He thought he was helping, but the butterfly emerged with a swollen body and shrunken wings, unable to fly.
The man failed to recognise that the butterfly’s struggle to break free was a crucial step in strengthening its wings. During this process, fluids transferred to its wings, enabling it to become a fully capable butterfly.
In cutting it free of its chrysalis, compelled to ‘save’ it from its struggle he had infact gone beyond doing it a disservice to actually destroying it 🦋
Does it sound familiar?
Overfunctioning can feel like running on autopilot, assuming excessive responsibility for others, and even trying to save the day. This can lead to a cascade of physical and emotional issues, from overeating to stress-related health problems. Women, in particular due to societal conditioning and expectations, are often expected to overfunction, setting a trap for themselves. Conventional solutions may provide temporary relief, but they rarely address the root cause.
Don’t fall into the hero trap!
Overfunctioners often operate from a place of fear, seeking control, validation, or security. While they may receive praise, this toxic pattern leads to burnout, illness, and breakdowns. They coexist in an emotional ecosystem with underfunctioners.
The key to breaking free from overfunctioning is finding balance before exhaustion sets in and taking responsibility only for what’s truly yours. 🌟
It’s about:
Breaking free from the victim-villain-hero drama triangle
Embracing awareness and accepting what you can’t control
Taking meaningful action
One of the most significant gifts you can offer loved ones is the space to function independently.
#overfunctioning #selflove #selfcare
