Emotional numbness
I think I may be experiencing emotional numbness. I feel uncomfortable when others express strong emotions whether positive or negative, I don't enjoy activities that other people enjoy, I sometimes feel like my life isn't my own or that I'm just living on autopilot in a dream life. It affects how I connect with others. Even though I make fiends easily and am not afraid to meet new people, once they start to get closer to me, I tend to pull away. I ignore frequent phone calls, texts or social media tags because it makes me nervous that this person wants so much of my attention. I haven't gone through any traumatic experiences recently or as a child, I'm not sure why I am this way :(. I'm afraid it'll never change
@NPJ7
Hello,
First of all, I hope things are getting better for you since you posted this message, but if they're not, just know that I support you fully in all that you go through. I have depression and am also dealing with emotional numbness. It's negatively impacted how I interact with others and affects my school work. Just know that you're not alone in the way that you feel--or rather, the way that you don't--and that it's definitely an issue worth looking into further. Unfortunately, while I am not sure exactly and don't have enough information, I think you may be suffering from, at the very least, depression symptoms. I would highly encourage you to get that checked out with your doctor if you have one. But other than that, I do believe in you, no matter what. I understand what you're feeling and you're no less of a person for experiencing this. I know that it usually doesn't do much to say that "things will get better" because things don't just get better on their own. It has to come from steps taken by us. I do, however, know how incredibly difficult that can be and it's incredibly brave of you to have the courage to reach out. I sincerely hope that you can find support from your family and friends, but if nothing else, you always have support and understanding from the people on 7Cups. I sincerely hope that the support you find here and elsewhere might one day give you the courage to reach out to others about what you're going through, that you might one day find the courage to seek out help. I need not know you to say that I believe in you with all my heart, that you are deserving of love, and that you don't have to do this all alone.
Regards,
Your fellow human
@CaptCeleste
Thank you so much for that very comforting message! I never realize how much I needed to hear those words. I initially began therapy a month ago but just recently discussed me possibly having Alexithymia. It's a trait that makes it hard to identify and express emotions. Finding a word for what I'm experiencing really helped me understand myself and how I actually navigate the world so much better.Im currently learning more about this condition and how it manifests in my life.I believe that my anxiety and inability to verbalize emotions probably push me towards isolation. I definitely do see some depressive characteristics and behaviors in myself though. I hope you know that I also extend those comforting words back to you. You being able to empathize with me even if you don't fully understand my situation shows your kindness and amazing heart!Stay strong, we learn to navigate through everything day by day❤️.I didn't expect much in joining 7cups, kind of just though I'd give it a shot. Thank you for making me feel validated and supported. (Emphasis on "Feel"... look I'm doing it 🤗)
@NPJ7
This is a daily occurance for me. I feel ashamed for it. Whenever someone is expressing emotion for anything....I feel indifferent. It hurts a lot. I feel so cold. I want to be there for others like i used to be. I miss the days where I would race to aid someone. Howevver now I am numb to life. This is a good lyric that describes how I feel about it
"In another time when we weren't so blind
When the world was more than what we see online
When we actually lived instead of watching life
In another time, in another time"
I feel that im not alive..that im just watching life all around me, but i don't feel and live it for myself. It is lonely. I am missing out on so many wonderful things. The pain gets worse and worse. I (we) need to find treatment for this. I can help if you'd like because I believe I have some answers to this if you are all ears. I will pray for you because I live what you ware speaking of and it is hell on earth.