Emptiness
Feeling emotionally empty or numb is often linked to emotional detachment or a condition called depersonalisation. It can feel like one is observing their life from a distance—present, but disconnected. They may struggle to identify or express their emotions and feel cut off from those around them
Why does it happen?
Emotional numbness often develops as a form of protection. Sensitive individuals, especially those who experienced emotional overwhelm or trauma in childhood, may shut down emotionally to cope. In some cases, emotionally intense children learn to suppress their feelings in environments where their needs were misunderstood or criticised. This disconnection can initially feel like calmness—enabling one to function, avoid pain, and maintain appearances. But over time, it becomes severely limiting.
Signs of emotional numbing:
There are range of feelings one can experience but the more common ones are below:
Difficulty experiencing or expressing emotions
Disconnection from their body, fatigue, or lack of appetite
Engaging in activities without feeling engaged or fulfilled
Feeling like a bystander in their own life
Loss of interest in hobbies, relationships, or personal goals
Detachment from loved ones and social withdrawal
A persistent sense of boredom or emptiness
Suppressing emotions may offer temporary relief, but long-term numbness can lead to deeper challenges. Without addressing the underlying trauma, suppressed feelings may resurface in overwhelming or harmful ways—potentially through self-destructive behaviours, physical ailments, or mental health crises.