Emotionally numb, are you?
It’s natural for everyone to feel a little cut off from the rest of the world at times. If you have this feeling on a day-to-day basis, then there is a possibility that you may be affected with emotional numbness.
What Is Emotional Numbness?
A sensation of remoteness or emptiness might be described as emotional numbness. It can be sensed in a variety of ways. Some people feel no emotions, while some feel numb with them not being present emotionally.
People may feel lonely during this experience. It can make a person feel cold and alienated as if they are in a hazy and distant mood. On the whole, it is a lack of feelings that can appear in different ways.
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Why is it known as “hidden sickness”?
Emotional numbness is known as the “hidden sickness” because it is so common in our society and so socially acceptable that it often goes unnoticed.
Being stoic and “level-headed” is praised in a society that doesn’t know how to deal with powerful emotions in healthy ways – yet this same calm and collected exterior frequently hide unhealthy detachment from one’s feelings.
As a result, emotional numbness is a hidden sickness because many of us suffer from it and don’t even notice it until chronic problems arise.
What are the symptoms?
This mental illness manifests itself in different ways for different people. Some of the symptoms are:
- The inability to express or even feel emotions. It’s not just the emotional pain or discomforting emotions that can’t be explained, but also the positive feelings or soothing ones.
- Being unable to react to a situation that would otherwise have elicited an emotional response. It’s like not responding to important news, whether good or negative.
- Boredom is a constant companion no matter what you do.
- Lack of motivation and active procrastination in the face of life’s challenges. You may also find yourself doing things that give you no joy or numb your thoughts, such as scrolling through social media or watching TV without realizing what you’re viewing.
- We feel pretty lifeless and tired even without doing much. It’s common to get the sensation of being fatigued without doing much.
- Not being aware of or responsive to your body’s basic demands. This entails ignoring biological signals such as hunger, thirst, and other such requirements.
- You lose interest in the things you used to appreciate the most. You may quit doing them altogether.
- Existence begins to feel unreal, and you may find yourself drifting away from the present moment to the point that you become a passive observer of your life, absorbing events as they occur without receiving or accepting them immediately.
- You find yourself avoiding all forms of social interaction. Soon after, a sense of estrangement from loved ones develops.
- There is a feeling that no one cares about you, and you question yourself.
Why am I experiencing emotional numbness?
It can be an adverse effect of drugs or any underlying medical condition…
A closer look at some of the most common causes follows:
- There is a dulling of emotions, and there is decreased sensitivity with regard to the mood of the individual.
- Anxiety: People suffering from anxiety disorders can at times feel emotionally numb due to high-stress levels or excessive concern.
- It may be developed as a coping strategy against PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) experiences.
- Sudden loss of loved ones, severe sadness, may make us experience emotional numbness.
- Consumption of any drugs used to treat mental health conditions can have side effects, which in turn can lead to emotional numbness.
How to Get Rid of Emotional numbing?
Emotional numbing cannot be dealt with by following anyone’s treatment approach by combining it with other treatments.
Only can then there be a higher chance of success. Of course, we can all go through this phase, but it is just that: a phase, not a destination.
Here are some coping mechanisms on how to receive quick relief, as well as some long-term strategies that can make a significant difference in how you feel over time.
1. Obtaining quick relief
It is not something that can be rushed. To make meaningful headway on restoring your emotions, you must address the underlying problems.
2. Exercise
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Moving your body is a terrific method to start filling your brain with endorphins, even if motivation is difficult to come by while you’re feeling numb.
You can temporarily feel better by taking a quick walk around your block, swimming, running, or doing some yoga to relieve any tension, anxiety, or despair that is causing your numbness.
Participate in activities that keep you physically active, such as swimming, running, yoga, or home exercises. Giving yourself a daily dose of endorphins will show you the difference in your body if you do it regularly!
3. Living in the present moment
To effectively express what we feel is necessary to live in the present moment! When we talk about being in the now, we refer to the most recent psychological trend: mindfulness.
By increasing our emotional strength through mindfulness meditation and exercises, we can reduce emotional numbness. You can practice a mindfulness exercise each day and witness the differences in how you validate and work through your feelings.
4. Pay attention to your body’s basic requirements
Your mental health condition may also improve based on how you change your lifestyle. Changing a lifestyle can help you in two different ways: they help reduce the symptoms of emotional numbness, and they protect you from experiencing it again.
Some steps to follow:
- Get enough rest (both quantity and quality-wise).
- Keep your mood in check by eating a well-balanced diet.
- Practice fundamental stress management practices to reduce stress in your life.
- Maintain your hydration.
5. Keep a journal of your emotions and thoughts.
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Whenever we write what we feel, it helps us a great deal. Plus, the solutions are there in our heads; all they need is a way to get out, and documenting your feelings can be that way.
Grab a journal and a pen, and start writing down anything that comes to mind and heart. You might begin by writing for 5 minutes each day and gradually include it into your routine.
6. Make use of your social media support system
One of the indicators of emotional numbness is the cutting off of links with loved ones, which makes it challenging to connect with others.
However, remaining in touch with your loved ones provides you with a healthy and safe environment to express your emotions where you feel warm.
So, to feel relieved, attempt to reach out to your loved ones, the ones you confide in, and share your sentiments (whatever they may be) with them.
7. Drug abuse
People who abuse drugs like marijuana or cocaine might modify the reward system in their brains, making it more difficult to feel pleasure without them.
Drug abuse can cause a lack of motivation and interest. It can also lead to detachment of emotions.
8. Begin your mental health therapy sessions.
If you’re experiencing emotional numbness or have queries like “why my chest feels empty” or “why does my head seem blank,” don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health expert.
If you get aid as soon as you notice numbness, you can ensure that it does not interfere with your normal activities.
Identifying the main reason for this feeling and eliminating it from life is best. This, my friend, is only possible with the help of a professional.
9. Reduce your stress levels
It is also caused due to severe stress, so we should try to keep it under control.
Make an effort to organize your calendar and make time for activities you enjoy. Deep breathing is a technique that can help you relax nearly instantly. Consume a well-balanced diet.
10. Make time and space for feelings.
It’s all too easy to numb and distract ourselves in our busy lives with social media, television, shopping, eating, social obligations, and other things that force us to look outside.
Looking inward is considerably more difficult and needs far more self-control, which is why so few people do it.
If you have trouble with self-discipline, I recommend holding yourself externally accountable by joining a meditation group or engaging in another activity that will help you focus inwards.
Treatments for Emotional Numbness
These are some of the few various methods that can help you get rid of your numbness:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of therapy that aims to help you recognize and modify harmful beliefs and behaviors that may be causing your numbness.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a treatment that teaches you how to manage your emotions properly. It focuses on teaching methods that will assist you in controlling your thoughts and feelings.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and resolving relationship issues. It can assist you in addressing any underlying emotional issues that are causing your numbness.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment that uses eye movements to help you process unpleasant memories and minimize their emotional impact.
NOTE: Many individuals are going through the same thing you are, and there are a variety of strategies to deal with it.
How Can You Help?
To help people around us who are suffering from emotional numbness, we can do the following things:
Listen without making any assumptions
Allow them to express their feelings without judging or criticizing them. Simply listening can be beneficial.
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Do not compel them to take action
Don’t force them to act if they don’t want to. Let them know that they are free to take their time and that you will be there to help them when they are ready.
Don’t give any advice or opinions
It’s crucial not to pass judgment on someone else’s feelings after experiencing numbness, just as you shouldn’t pass judgment on your loved one.
They may feel rejected if you offer them advice or an opinion.
Assist with practical matters
Offer to assist them if they require assistance with anything. This might be as basic as going for a stroll with the dog or going food shopping.
Conclusion
With this guide, it will be helpful to deal with the numb feeling if you feel it later and take action in the right direction. It’s time for you to reclaim your feelings!
It is a challenging situation dealing with emotional numbing, but we should keep in mind that many people like us are suffering the same, so we are not alone. It is not something that affects only you but also many others like you.
Many individuals are going through the same thing you are, and there are a variety of strategies to deal with it. If the numbness is becoming too severe for you to handle on your own, get medical assistance.
As you go through this difficult time, remember to be patient and loving with yourself. A therapist can help you manage your emotions by giving you advice and support. A few various therapies can help with emotional numbness, so pick the one that works best for you.
You’re going to make it!
I’m sending you a big hug!!!
Disclaimer
All the things mentioned in the blog are advised to be followed only after it is medically reviewed by a mental health professional.
It is always advisable to follow any advice only after consulting the doctor. If not, there is a possibility of suffering from side effects.
This article is only intended to spread knowledge about the disease and show the importance to people that a small mental health issue can affect us physically and emotionally.
Hence, it is always better to be physically and mentally fit.
I hope you find this article helpful. If there’s anything you would like to talk to us about, please feel free to comment.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Here’s another read for you:
Manic Depression: Symptoms & 4 Best Ways to Manage It
Last Updated on by K
