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Ms. Anamika Gupta

Counselling Psychologist

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Reviewed by

Ms. Anamika Gupta

Counselling Psychologist

Manipal Hospitals, Whitefield

What Is Emotional Numbness And How Can We Treat It

Reviewed by:

Ms. Anamika Gupta

Posted On: Aug 02, 2023
blogs read 3 Min Read
Emotional Numbness and its treatment

We humans are very complex beings we experience several emotions. Emotions help us give meaning to events, relationships and overall, one's life. They often are responsible for determining the outlook on our life. 

Sometimes people tend to detach themselves from the world around them, it almost feels as though a cover has been placed on their senses. This is called Emotional Numbing. It is a strategy to protect oneself from further emotional pain by shutting out their own feelings. Even though it eventually is temporary, it can have long-lasting consequences.

Visit a top hospital if you require emotional numbness treatment

If Emotions are So Important, Why Does One Shut It Down?

Numbing emotions is a way of feeling safe for individuals. It helps create a mask on the outside to feel ‘normal’. This mask is just a showcase to avoid their own feelings by forming a routine. All of this helps them shield themselves from the pain that cuts deep. I think that is why empathy is such an important quality to have because one never knows what the other person is truly feeling, it is all concealed. 

Feeling emotionally numb could include losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed, and preferring isolation. Sometimes it can lead to seeking emotions through self-harming activities. It is feeling devoid of any positive or negative emotions. More so it results in distant and strained relationships. 

Everybody grows up around different circumstances and environments. Some may have grown up facing traumatic incidents, physical or emotional abuse, unstable home environments or bullying and overall unhealthy relationships. Your past experiences are a significant reason for what you are feeling today. It determines our current emotions toward the situation. 

For example, If one grows up in an abusive household eventually he/she becomes numb to it because of how often it reoccurs. It can lead to them doing nothing about it and silently facing it every day. Sometimes it can also be an outcome of depression or anxiety and other underlying disorders. Numbing one’s emotions leads to their days becoming monotonous, hollow and feelings of emptiness.  

How can One Help Themselves?

Emotional numbness treatment can help you reduce the extent to which you try to escape, disengage and avoid your emotions. The first step to receiving treatment is finding a therapist or psychologist to work with. This will help you determine the underlying cause of trauma and identify ways to cope with stressful experiences. To get immediate relief or to practise something side-by-side one can reach out to loved ones, which can help the individual feel more connected. Exercising is another great option that helps release pent-up energy and emotions. For a few long-term options, a healthy diet helps fuel your body and improves mood regulation. Minimizing stress levels at work, school and home through techniques like meditation and mindfulness. 

In case of feeling this way, know that you are not alone! Reach out to our close ones and psychologists in Bangalore that will help connect you to your emotions. At times like these, you might be feeling hopeless and distant but this is not the end.  Questioning and realizing your emotional numbness is already a step forward and the journey of healing waits for you patiently.

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