Emotional Numbness: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges

Feeling blank and unable to experience any emotions towards anything?

I have experienced a change in my personality since an event that occurred seven years ago.
As a result of that incident, during the first five years, my personality became very extreme, even leaning towards antisocial tendencies.
I constantly had thoughts of suicide and harming others, but I never revealed any obvious emotions in front of others.
I have been hiding myself, which has led to significant stress.
Even now, I find that I have no feelings towards anything and cannot think about complex matters.
I constantly feel a dull pain in a certain area of my brain.
It is difficult to express, but it feels like there is a part of my brain that I am not allowed to use.
To this day, the feelings of emptiness and depression persist, though they have not worsened.
Please help me assess my mental condition.

Xiao Yi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/09/15

Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry

Hello, Xiaoyi.
Seven years ago, a significant accident caused changes in your personality and has had a lasting impact on your life and emotions.
If you wish to change your current situation, I recommend that you promptly seek an evaluation at a psychosomatic or psychiatric outpatient clinic to facilitate the arrangement of appropriate subsequent treatment.
Psychotherapy should be an important part of this process.
Wishing you a swift departure from the shadows.
Sincerely, Dr.
Song.

Reply Date: 2013/09/15

More Info

It sounds like you have been through a very challenging journey over the past seven years, and I commend you for reaching out to discuss your mental health. Emotional numbness, especially following a traumatic event, can be a complex and distressing experience. It is not uncommon for individuals who have faced significant trauma to develop coping mechanisms that may include emotional detachment or numbness as a way to protect themselves from further pain.
From what you’ve described, it seems that the initial trauma led to a range of intense emotions, including anger and suicidal thoughts, which you managed to suppress. This suppression can lead to a buildup of unresolved feelings, resulting in emotional numbness as a protective response. The brain often tries to shield itself from overwhelming emotions, which can manifest as a feeling of disconnection from oneself and the world around you. This is sometimes referred to as dissociation, where a person feels detached from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity.

The sensation of having a part of your brain that feels "blocked" or painful could be indicative of the mental strain you are experiencing. This could be a result of chronic stress or anxiety, which can affect cognitive functions and emotional regulation. It’s important to understand that these feelings are not a reflection of your worth or ability to heal; rather, they are symptoms of the psychological impact of trauma.

To address your situation, I would recommend several steps:
1. Seek Professional Help: It is crucial to connect with a mental health professional who can provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings and experiences. Therapy, particularly trauma-informed therapy, can help you process the events that led to your emotional numbness and develop healthier coping strategies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective approaches for trauma recovery.

2. Express Yourself: While it may feel difficult, finding ways to express your emotions can be beneficial. This could be through journaling, art, or even talking to a trusted friend or therapist. Expressing what you feel, even if it’s just a little at a time, can help alleviate some of the pressure you are experiencing.

3. Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Practicing mindfulness can help you reconnect with your emotions and the present moment. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises can help you become more aware of your feelings and reduce anxiety.

4. Physical Activity: Engaging in regular physical activity can have a profound impact on mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of numbness. Even simple activities like walking or stretching can be beneficial.

5. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who understand your struggles. This could be friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your experiences with others who have gone through similar situations can help you feel less isolated.

6. Educate Yourself: Understanding more about trauma and its effects on mental health can empower you. Knowledge can help demystify your experiences and provide you with tools to manage your symptoms.

7. Be Patient with Yourself: Healing from trauma is a process that takes time. It’s important to be gentle with yourself and recognize that progress may come in small steps.

In conclusion, your journey through emotional numbness and mental health challenges is significant, and seeking help is a courageous step. Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to support you in your healing process. It’s essential to prioritize your mental health and take proactive steps toward recovery.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Emotional Numbness: Insights into Mental Health Struggles

I have a very serious problem. First, let me explain my family situation. My parents have a very impatient personality, and I am their only child, so they have high expectations for me. I feel the same way, but both my father and I are quite stubborn. As a result, we have had maj...

Dr. Li Junren reply Psychiatry
Hello, I apologize for the late response due to my trip abroad. The situation you are currently facing is the result of a long-term and complex interplay of various issues. Medication may help alleviate some of your symptoms, but it seems unlikely to fully resolve your predicamen...

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection: Psychological Impact on Physical Health

Hello, first of all, I have no bad habits; I just often work 12-hour shifts (physical labor, I can only sit during breaks). I take a half-hour break for meals and attend night school two days a week (this has been ongoing for a year and a half), which leads to late nights. Initia...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Wang. After reading your description, I understand that you have been going through a tough time lately with long working hours and recent health issues, along with a history of domestic violence. For your physical issues, such as severe dizziness, I recommend continuing t...

Feeling Increasingly Isolated: Navigating Mental Health Challenges

The workplace environment is quite cold among colleagues, and a former classmate once mentioned that if one still feels interpersonal issues after changing to a new work environment, it might be worth considering whether the problem lies within oneself. This brings to mind the me...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the situation you are facing is something many people with depression have experienced. Negative thinking, uncontrollable intrusive thoughts, lack of self-confidence, social withdrawal, and so on. These symptoms can be very distressing and feel endless. However, I want to ...

Reconnecting with Emotions: Overcoming Emotional Numbness in Mental Health

I had the opportunity to experience psychodrama, and it was quite shocking. A year later, a different psychodrama director said to me, "It seems like you don't have any feelings." When asked about my feelings regarding certain events, my responses were merely descr...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, in your question, you mentioned a lack of feeling, which seems to suggest that you have emotions about things but do not express them outwardly. Firstly, without delving into why this is the case, this phenomenon might be a matter of excess or deficiency. Conversely, havin...