How do you understand emotional numbness?

Emotional paralysis, also known as blunted emotions, happens when someone tries to protect themselves from negative feelings like fear, hatred, jealousy, and grief. But in doing this, they also block themselves from feeling joy and making meaningful connections. When emotionally numb, a person can’t feel their emotions and may feel empty, depressed, and isolated. This can lead to feeling disconnected from the world around them, like a drifting boat.

Emotional numbness is not a medical condition and is usually temporary. However, if it lasts a long time, it can lead to more serious mental health issues. Physical or emotional pain, depression, childhood events, and trauma can cause emotional numbness. Research shows that people who have experienced domestic violence and sexual abuse often show signs of emotional paralysis. Additionally, psychological stress, anxiety disorders, side effects of depression medications, and stimulant abuse can also cause this phenomenon.

Signs of emotional paralysis

1. You don’t feel happy even in a happy atmosphere

One common symptom of emotional numbness is a lack of interest or enthusiasm towards certain situations. You may no longer feel excited about events that you once found important. For instance, when you attend a wedding, birthday party, graduation ceremony, or holiday celebration, even though the atmosphere is lively, everything may seem dull and unimportant to you. You may feel disconnected from the people around you and even hope for the event to end quickly.

2. You feel your emotions are inappropriate for the situation

When you experience emotional numbing, showing negative and positive feelings can be hard. You might feel like you’re just watching your life without being part of it. You can’t cry or feel the pain even when you should feel sad. All your emotions are calm and still, without any movement.

3. You are easily irritable

Repressed emotions and a lingering sense of sadness can build up over time, leading to discomfort and irritability toward others. When experiencing emotional numbing, you may swing between intense anger and feeling nothing at all. This build-up can eventually lead to explosive emotional outbursts.

4. You cannot judge your own emotions

You may also struggle to connect with your inner world when disconnected from the outside world. Over time, you may become accustomed to feeling emotionally numb and find it challenging to recognize and assess your emotional changes.

5. Question yourself

After closely observing your reactions in various situations, you may start to introspect and wonder why you lack emotional responses. You might question the reasons behind people’s tears, contemplating whether they are shedding them out of sadness or happiness. Additionally, you might ponder why you cannot express your emotions in the same manner as others.

6. You feel like life goes by in a loop

You may feel like your daily activities are happening automatically, without much excitement or emotion. Even though you complete your tasks, you might feel empty and unfulfilled. Your life may lack a variety of emotions like joy, anger, love, sadness, nostalgia, and resentment.

7. Isolate yourself

People with emotional paralysis not only deny themselves the right to experience life’s ups and downs, but they also build barriers to separate themselves from the outside world. This is to protect themselves from the negative emotions that others may bring. They often feel scared and confused and adopt an avoidance mentality when confronted with anger, resentment, provocation, or sadness from others.

What to do to overcome emotional numbness syndrome?

It’s important to remember that emotional numbness is only temporary. Even though you may feel disconnected from your emotions, they are still present and waiting to be acknowledged. To overcome this syndrome, consider trying the following tips:

1. See a psychologist

Mental health professionals will offer guidance and a range of therapeutic approaches to assist individuals in exploring balance in their lives. and understanding their emotions, ultimately working towards reclaiming harmony and balance in their lives.

2. Confide in relatives and friends

Please try to spend time with people you trust and confide in them about your problems. Even if it’s hard to open up, sharing your feelings will make you feel lighter and less alone, knowing that many people around you love and care about you.

3. Exercise

Engaging in activities such as jogging, cycling, swimming, kickboxing, or yoga can significantly reduce stress and boost the production of happy hormones in the brain. When combined with deep breathing, physical exercise can help you reconnect with your body and mind and stir up dormant emotions. Aim to exercise for 15-30 minutes every day for optimal results.

4. Self-heal

To purify your mind, practice mindfulness, meditate, and write in a diary daily. This will help you observe yourself, identify pain, and heal the wounds still causing you distress. Emotional numbness often stems from unresolved pain. Once you have overcome the storms in your heart, your life will be filled with joy again.

5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Getting enough rest and eating healthily to feel good, stay healthy, and improve your mood is essential. Try to sleep 7-9 hours a day and eat a balanced diet with protein, starch, fat, and vitamins. This will help you live better. It may seem easy, but you’ll feel much better if you take it seriously.