The psychology of overreacting explains that people overreact to protect themselves against threats. When we perceive a "threat" to our wellbeing, the body activates the stress response. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released to prepare you to either fight the potential threat or run away from it.

Why do I overreact so easily?

Lack of sleep, going too long without food or water, lack of recreation and play can leave your mind and body vulnerable to exaggerated responses. For many of us (myself included), it's easy to let our own basic self-care take a back seat to the noble cause of taking care of others.

Why is overreacting bad?

Overreactions never make situations better; in fact, they usually make them worse. Stress in our lives can create the conditions for us to overreact. But even though doing so might release tension in the moment, it doesn't solve the true source of the stress. All it does is paradoxically create more stress and anxiety.