It’s difficult to convey how it feels to be numb, but if you have experienced it, you will know.
The most common cause of emotional numbness, also known as affective blunting, is depression. It can also happen as a result of other mental health disorders and drugs. It is associated with states such as dissociation or depersonalisation, which are experiences of being separated from oneself, one’s emotions, or one’s environment. The good news is that emotional numbness is typically transient and reversible.
What to do if you are feeling numb?
Make an effort to move your body
Emotional numbness might feel "frozen" to certain people. If this describes you, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. Doing any type of physical action, on the other hand, is a terrific way to get out of your head and into your body. To connect with your body, walk around your room shaking your arms out, or put on a vibrant song and move to the music in a way that feels wonderful.
Try out some grounding exercises
If you are feeling numb and disconnected, try employing grounding techniques to gently bring your awareness back to your body and surroundings. These methods are frequently recommended for dealing with anxiety and PTSD.
Talk about it to someone
While it is difficult to be vulnerable, it is equally difficult to keep everything locked up inside. It can be beneficial to talk about your problems with someone you trust and if you don’t want to open up to a friend or family member, you could try reaching out to a support group, online forum or a session with a therapist.
Let go of pent-up anger
If you feel that your emotional numbness is caused by repressed frustration, go to a lake or beach and throw stones into the water. You might also consider taking kickboxing courses or visiting a local rage room to release all your emotions by smashing things like old TVs or plates in a safe environment.
Learn more about emotions
A self-study is a useful tool for becoming acquainted with your feelings. Create a diary, set an alarm and note down your emotions every day that too from time to time. Rate your feelings between 1 and 10 and also if you prefer digital note-taking, check out those mood-tracker apps available now.
If you are also suffering from emotional numbness for quite a long time, try out these activities to get rid of it.
