Emotional Numbness

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 Emotional Numbness


1) What are some telltale signs of emotional numbness (in yourself and others)?

 

      ⁃     Unable to feel, feel “empty “

      ⁃     Disconnected from self and others, including isolation

      ⁃     Loss of interest in enjoyable activities

      ⁃     Being harsh to self or others

      ⁃     Dissociating, losing track of time

      ⁃     Finding oneself spending an excessive amount of time on social media scrolling or watching TV

      ⁃     Difficulty sleeping and/or change in appetite

      ⁃     Tension within the body

      ⁃     Short breathing

      ⁃     Not following through with activities of daily living (ADLs)

      ⁃     Lacking empathy or compassion for self or others

      ⁃     Not able to see the light at the end of the tunnel

 

2) What can cause someone to become emotionally numb? Emotional numbness can be a symptom of an individual who is stuck in a trauma response, often “freeze.” This can also be a result of any life event that causes an internal threat or disrupts one's internal state. Emotional numbness is often a protective factor and/or learned response.

 

3) What is the psychological definition of emotional numbness? It is when an individual is shut down, not expressing or feeling their emotions. It’s also a coping mechanism that individuals learn to protect themselves from physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual pain.

Stephanie Robilio, LCSW
Published Author
Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare 

To learn more about Stephanie visit www.themindfulliving.com and follow her on Instagram @mindfulliving.now, Facebook @mindfulliving, and subscribe to her on YouTube Stephanie Robilio. Find all of Stephanie's books on Amazon: WellNow, Mindful Makeover, Painted Soul, and Bonafide Spirit. To join real conversations about what it takes to achieve optimal wellness in mind, body, and spirit, check out The Mindful Living Podcast on Spotify.

 

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