Upon detection of an overload condition at a network element, a series of messages is sent between the network element and those other network elements which may potentially send request messages to the overloaded network element. The detection of an overload condition may be based on a determination that at least one of a plurality of processing thresholds has been exceeded. If the network utilizes the SIP signaling protocol, then the messages include SIP INVITE, SIP TRYING, SIP CANCEL, SIP OPTIONS and SIP OK. The CANCEL and OPTIONS messages comprise an indication that the overloaded network element is overloaded and an instructed action for the other network elements. Upon receipt of the message indicating an overload condition, the other network elements restrict sending request messages to the overloaded network element. The other network elements may send request messages to network elements other than the overloaded network element which provide functionality similar to that of the overloaded network element.