Importance of interoception
While we often say there are five main senses, recent science shows that humans actually have far more than that, actually between 22 and 33 different ways of sensing the world around us.
The sixth sense called interoception might be very important for mental health.
It's an extremely important sense, as it ensures that every system in the body is working optimally.
Participation question:
Do you feel that your interoception is working fine? Do you notice easily when you feel too hot and need hydration?
You can learn more here: Test Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, MAIA-2
Helpful Videos:
Helpful Resources:
Seeking Help
Mental stress can cause us not to be able to see the good things in life and lead to excessive rumination or worries, which can result in serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feeling depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if they are related to any mental challenges.
Are you looking for a therapist? 7 Cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information on what happens in online therapy at 7 Cups, Read Lisa’s (a therapist and director of therapy) explanation
https://www.7cups.com/forum/therapy/General_2432/WeveLaunchedTalkTherapyon7Cups_319430/
To apply for 7 Cups online therapy, click on this link (must be logged into member account) https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
@amiablePeace77
I've never heard of this before so I appreciate the link explaining it, I'm always open to knowing more and learning ❤️
Yes
@amiablePeace77
When you are in pain, you feel interoception works a tad too well. 😀
Do you feel that your interoception is working fine? Do you notice easily when you feel too hot and need hydration?
@Fradiga
Unfortunately, pain can change how we feel and understand what’s happening inside our bodies, making us more sensitive to these sensations.
@amiablePeace77
Do you feel that your interoception is working fine? Do you notice easily when you feel too hot and need hydration?
Yes without a doubt! I realize when I’m dehydrated or close to it and I also know when I’m cold and need to bundle myself up with more clothes and/or a blanket. So yes my interoception sense absolutely works properly.
@akunknown
Good to hear! 👍
@amiablePeace77 Do you feel that your interoception is working fine? Do you notice easily when you feel too hot and need hydration?
Tai Chi helps me develop a sense of what is happening in the body.
@amiablePeace77 Yes 💗
@amiablePeace77 - My interoception seems to be really poor. I can’t tell when I’m hungry or full, and I’m slow to notice pain or discomfort. I usually can’t tell when I’m thirsty, and I’m even slow to notice changes in my body temperature.
@ICJTech
So sorry to hear that your interoception does not work as it should. This can make life difficult. Not realizing when hungry or thirsty, for example, can lead to irritability and more. I hope things will change for you very soon.
Practicing staying focused and calm, going through guided exercises that help you notice different parts of your body, and talking out loud to describe what you feel in your body as it happens.
@amiablePeace77 - I wish I felt safe enough to fully be in my body all or most of the time, but I’m not in the best place for that right now. Severe trauma, dissociative amnesia, and somatic dissociation make it hard to stay connected, and my lack of interoception means I often neglect myself without realizing it. I have to force meals and water at set intervals. Sometimes I feel “off” because I don’t feel hungry, but I know that if I don’t eat when I have the mind to, I won’t eat at all.
@ICJTech
What you're going through sounds incredibly hard. It might help to talk to a listener here unless you feel you need more guided support. 💙
@amiablePeace77 - I see my therapist every week or every other week, and we’re building coping mechanisms before starting EMDR.
@ICJTech
I'm happy to hear that you're getting help from a therapist!
@amiablePeace77 Project Nature Connect is a great resource for diving into the senses beyond 5.
@amiablePeace77
Yes and yes. It's an interesting concept.
