Overveldet

Overveldet is a term used in Norwegian and Danish to describe a state of being overwhelmed or overpowered by stimuli, emotions, or responsibilities. It can refer to a momentary feeling in response to intense events or to a more persistent sense of being unable to manage a workload, memories, or social pressures.

Linguistically, overveldet functions as the past participle of the verb overvelde and is commonly used as an adjective or predicate adjective. It is closely related to the English word overwhelmed, and in everyday language it often answers questions about how someone feels, as in “Han ble overveldet av nyhetene” (He was overwhelmed by the news).

In mental health and everyday discourse, overveldet can describe both acute reactions and more chronic experiences. Acute overwhelm may arise from sudden changes, crises, or excessive sensory input, while chronic overwhelm can stem from sustained stress, high work demands, or emotional burdens. The term emphasizes the impact on a person’s ability to think clearly, decide, or respond in a typical manner.

Common signs and symptoms associated with being overveldet include difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness or numbness. Coping strategies emphasize pacing, prioritization, seeking support from others, and practicing grounding or relaxation techniques. In more persistent cases, professional guidance from a healthcare or mental health professional may be appropriate.

See also: overwhelm, information overload, stress management.