To be overwhelmed means to feel a sense of being wholly overcome or unable to cope due to an excessive amount of stress, responsibility, or emotion. It can make someone feel mentally or physically drained, anxious, or unable to manage everything they are facing. This feeling often arises when the demands of a situation exceed a person’s ability to handle them, leading to feelings of helplessness or being “swamped.” While being overwhelmed is a normal reaction to stressors, when people feel overwhelmed for extended periods, it can undermine their mental and physical health.