There’s an interesting dichotomy between what we show to the world and what we truly feel inside.
Sometimes, you might find yourself going through the motions of life with a strange sense of detachment.
You’re functioning, getting things done, but it feels like you’re watching it all from a distance; you might be emotionally numb, a state where you’re disconnected from your feelings.
But, you’re high-functioning enough that no one around you suspects a thing.
In this article, I’ll be sharing seven signs that could suggest you’re emotionally numb but are managing to keep it under wraps.
This isn’t about diagnosing or labeling you but rather shedding light on something you may be experiencing, so you better understand yourself and take steps towards emotional health:
1) You’re going through the motions
Have you ever caught yourself drifting through your day, completing tasks and meeting deadlines, but feeling disconnected from it all?
It’s like you’re on autopilot, mechanically ticking off your to-do list without actually engaging with the activities.
Your mind is elsewhere, detached from the here and now.
This sense of disconnection can be a sign of emotional numbness.
It’s not about being lazy or uninterested; rather, it’s a deeper issue where you’re not feeling the emotions that usually accompany everyday experiences.
You may be keeping up appearances, maintaining your routine, and doing what’s expected of you—but, inside, you’re just not ‘feeling’ it.
If you’ve been consistently experiencing this sense of detachment, it might be indicative that you’re emotionally numb but high-functioning enough to mask it.
Acknowledging what you’re going through is the first step towards understanding and addressing it.
2) Your emotional reactions are muted or absent
I remember this one time when a friend of mine shared some great news: She had landed her dream job after months of gruelling interviews and tests.
Everyone around us was over the moon, cheering, celebrating, and I just stood there.
I felt this strange sense of emptiness—I knew I should be thrilled, but I just couldn’t feel it.
This lack of emotional reaction is another sign of emotional numbness.
It’s about being unable to connect with your feelings, even during situations that would typically elicit strong emotions.
Honestly, it felt like I was stuck behind a glass wall, watching the world but unable to participate in it.
Yet, I continued to function normally on the outside—smiling, congratulating, participating in the celebrations.
It’s not easy to admit, but recognizing this could be a step towards regaining your emotional health.
3) Your physical sensations seem dulled
Did you know that emotional numbness can extend to physical sensations too?
It’s a curious phenomenon where your sense of touch, taste, or smell might seem dulled or muted.
It’s like the world is slightly out of focus, and no matter how hard you squint, you can’t bring it back into sharpness.
You might find that food doesn’t taste as good as it used to or a familiar scent doesn’t evoke the feelings it once did.
While it may seem odd, this is a common trait among those experiencing emotional numbness.
As your emotions retreat, your physical senses can become less sharp.
This isn’t about losing your senses but rather experiencing them in a less intense way.
If you notice this happening consistently in your life, it might be an indicator of emotional numbness.
Remember, understanding these signs is a step towards addressing the situation.
4) You’re avoiding emotional situations
Have you ever found yourself avoiding situations that could potentially be emotionally charged? Maybe you’ve started to shy away from watching tear-jerker movies, or you’re skipping out on social events that might evoke strong feelings.
It’s not about being anti-social or disliking drama; it’s more about a subconscious attempt to shield yourself from situations that require an emotional response.
You just can’t connect with your emotions the way you used to.
This avoidance can extend to personal relationships too.
Perhaps you’ve been keeping friends and loved ones at arm’s length, afraid of the emotional expectations that come with these relationships.
Recognizing these patterns in your behavior is a key step towards understanding and addressing your emotional health.
5) You’re struggling to express empathy
There was an incident recently when a close friend poured her heart out to me, sharing her struggles and fears.
I listened, I nodded, but the emotional connection was missing; I couldn’t empathize with her the way I used to and I knew I should feel something, a surge of compassion or concern, but all I felt was a void.
When you’re emotionally numb, expressing empathy can be a struggle.
You understand the concept of empathy on an intellectual level, but you just can’t seem to connect on an emotional level.
It’s like you’re stuck in your own bubble, unable to reach out and truly connect with others’ emotions.
And yet, on the surface, you maintain your usual demeanor—listening, nodding, offering words of comfort.
Acknowledging this could be an important step towards regaining your emotional health.
6) You’re feeling disconnected from yourself
Feeling disconnected from yourself can be a strange and disorienting experience.
It’s like looking in the mirror and not recognizing the person staring back at you.
You know who you are on a logical level—you know your likes, dislikes, goals, values, but you’re not ‘feeling’ them.
It’s as if there’s a disconnect between your mind and your emotions.
This disconnection can manifest as a sense of being lost or uncertain about your identity.
You might find yourself questioning who you really are and what you truly feel.
7) Your tolerance for stress has changed
One of the key indicators of emotional numbness is a change in your tolerance for stress.
You may find that you’ve become incredibly resistant to stress, simply because you’re not connecting with your emotions.
Stressful situations that would usually have you on edge might not bother you at all.
On the flip side, you might find yourself overwhelmed by minor stressors that you could typically handle with ease.
It’s not about becoming stronger or weaker; it’s about a fundamental shift in how you perceive and respond to stress due to your emotional disconnection.
This altered stress tolerance is a significant sign of emotional numbness.
Recognizing this change in yourself could be a crucial step towards understanding your emotional health and seeking the help you need.
Final thoughts: It’s about self-awareness
The maze of human emotions is complex and deeply interconnected with our psyche.
One such connection is the relationship between emotional numbness and our cognitive defense mechanisms.
These mechanisms, while protecting us from immediate emotional harm, can sometimes lead to a prolonged state of emotional disconnect.
For those experiencing emotional numbness, awareness is a beacon of hope.
Acknowledging this state of disconnection from your feelings is the first step towards seeking help and reclaiming your emotional health.
Whether it’s reaching out to a trusted friend, seeking professional help, or engaging in self-care activities like meditation or yoga, your journey towards emotional health begins with understanding and acknowledging your situation.
Remember, it’s about embracing the complexity of your emotions and seeking the help you need to navigate through them.
As you take these steps, remember that it’s okay not to be okay, and reaching out for support shows strength and resilience.
