Emotional numbness is a condition that many people experience at some point in time. The symptoms are relentless and can occur repeatedly. It may be considered as part of mental or physical conditions, such as PTSD. Relief from this will happen with time, support and proper self-care. Emotional numbness can be caused by excessive stress and being overworked. Certain food chemicals and medication, such as antidepressants, may cause emotional numbness. Trauma often results in PTSD, especially after life-changing events.
Symptoms of Emotional Numbness
Emotional numbness has many different symptoms, including mental and physical symptoms, as well as issues with relating to others. This may affect your romantic relationships and even cause a relationship breakdown. The most common symptoms associated with this is a lack of emotion. You may feel that you are empty and cannot express your feelings to others. There is a disconnect between your actions and what you are thinking; it can feel like you are seeing yourself outside of your body.
Another symptom of emotional numbness is withdrawing from social gatherings. Not talking to others and struggling to visualize yourself with friends is part of this situation. You may not feel as confident and have a poor self-image. Loss of memory and struggling to focus are typical symptoms. Things may appear louder, distorted or different from reality. You may experience physical and emotional exhaustion even if you sleep enough.
Overcoming Emotional Numbness
Emotional numbness can be treated with patience and care. Finding the reason for your emotional numbness and what triggers it is vital in knowing how to overcome your situation. Living a balanced lifestyle is a good start to get you out of this rut.
Work on reducing stress in your lifestyle. Find a hobby to keep yourself busy and make you feel good about yourself. Eat healthy, organic foods and stay away from processed items; fast food can be detrimental to your condition. Ensure you get at least 8 hours of proper sleep every night. Do things that previously made you happy, even if you don’t currently feel that way. Spend time with your loved ones. Explain to them how you are feeling. Support from your partner will help you to overcome this disoder.
You may want to chat to your medical practitioner about how you are feeling. He can advise you on how to cope and may prescribe medications if your functioning is severely impaired. Psychotherapy may also be suggested to help find what is causing your numbness and to work through the problem. You do not need to feel ashamed about your disoder. With the support of your partner and treating the condition, your symptoms will soon disappear and have you back to your jolly self.