The Role of Emotional Numbness in Depression

Depression may be more common and well-known in today’s world than it was in the past. But there are still a lot of unknowns that come along with the mental disorder.

Sadness, fatigue, and lack of concentration are some of the most common signs and symptoms of depression. A loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, physical aches and pains, and thoughts of death and suicide are also common when it comes to depression.

Less common signs and symptoms that depression can also bring on are changes in weight, eating habits, and sleeping schedule and routine. Another unknown sign and symptom that a lot of people have a difficult time understanding, especially if they haven’t experienced it themselves, is emotional numbness.

Let’s learn more about the role of emotional numbness in depression.

What is Emotional Numbness?

Emotional numbness is a state in which you don’t feel or express emotions. It’s known as a process of shutting out or dismissing any emotions or feelings. Similar to anxiety, emotional numbness can be a common and temporary feeling. For some people, it can become a larger issue when it’s used as a strategy to protect oneself from future emotional or physical pain. This can lead to worsening signs and symptoms as well as long-lasting problems down the road.

The Cause

Typically, emotional numbness is cued in a similar way as a trauma response. Emotional numbers are usually experienced when emotional or physical pain is present. It’s a way for the body to protect itself from being hurt again. These are some of the most common reasons or factors for feeling emotionally numb:

• Anxiety

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

• Depression

• Emotional Abuse

• Grief

• Medications

• Mental abuse

• Physical abuse

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Schizophrenia

• Stress

• Substance use or abuse

It’s important to note that emotionally numbing may seem like a good short-term solution, but that’s all it is. There may be feelings of temporary relief, but over time, this wall that you put up can prevent how you move forward in life, relationships, and your career.

The Signs and Symptoms

Emotional numbness shares a lot of the same signs and symptoms as depression. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of emotional numbness:

• Detached

• Difficulty managing positive emotions and feelings

• Distant

• Feeling emotionally and physically flat

• Inability to participate fully

• Isolation or withdrawal from others

• Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed

• Unable to access feelings

The Role of Emotional Numbness in Depression

The main connection between emotional numbness and depression lies within the signs and symptoms. People tend to use emotional numbers as a way to avoid feeling how they’re actually feeling. Instead, they’ll disconnect or detach themselves from their feelings in order to feel better about the negative situation or event.

Feelings of emotional numbness can also be experienced as a side effect of some of the medications that are used to help treat depression.

Treatment Options

Feeling emotionally numb can be a common feeling, but it’s not a feeling that should not be taken lightly. If you’re struggling with emotional numbness, depression, or a combination of the two, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. There are a variety of different treatment options that are available to help you work through these feelings. One of the best treatment options is to seek additional support through a licensed and trained mental health professional. They’ll be able to work with you to get to the root cause of your emotional numbness or depression and help you process it in order to move forward in your life again. I am here to help you when you’re ready. Reach out to JoyFeel Therapy today to set up an appointment today.