Why Are We So Tired?

In this episode of Lumen, hosts Christopher Mooney, LCSW and Kenyon Phillips, LMSW explore the quieter epidemic beneath so much modern distress: exhaustion. Not just physical tiredness, but the kind of mental and emotional fatigue that comes from living in a constant state of alert. The conversation explores how being tethered to our phones—a nonstop source of information, notifications, breaking news, and social comparisons—keeps our nervous systems activated long after any real threat has passed. From doomscrolling and political overwhelm to the subtle pressure to stay informed, responsive, and “engaged,” Christopher and Kenyon examine how helplessness and overexposure quietly wear us down. The conversation also touches on how poor sleep, alcohol use, hustle culture, and the constant pressure to perform can compound this exhaustion—leaving the body working overtime even when we're supposedly resting. Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to rethink what’s actually draining us, to understand exhaustion as a nervous system issue rather than a personal failure, and to consider what real rest, regulation, and care might look like in a world that rarely stops demanding our attention.To book a free consultation with Christopher, Kenyon, or the other providers at Lumen Therapy Collective, visit lumentherapycollective.com. Follow Lumen on Instagram: @lumen_therapy_collectiveSubscribe, share, and review Lumen on your favorite podcast platform!Lumen is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact local emergency services or a trusted mental health professional.