What in the World Why are we all so stressed?
Jan 27, 2026
Claudia Hammond, psychologist and BBC presenter who studies wellbeing and wrote a book on overwhelm. She breaks down what triggers chronic stress and burnout. Conversations cover why younger people feel more burnt out, how social media and message overload amplify anxiety, and practical tips like rest, exercise and setting ‘good enough’ standards.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
What Overwhelm Actually Means
- Overwhelm is an emotional state where you feel overloaded and unable to cope.
- If persistent, it can become chronic and lead to burnout.
Why Young People Feel It More
- Younger people show rising levels of burnout, anxiety and depression.
- Transitional life stages and global uncertainties like climate change contribute heavily.
Media Exposure Amplifies Stress
- Repeated exposure to traumatic news can produce more acute stress than direct exposure.
- Continuous doomscrolling removes a narrative end, prolonging distress.