When we experience trauma or stress, we might feel numb. Numbness and disconnection are ways to emotionally detach from overwhelming emotions we might experience with unprocessed trauma, death, significant life change, relationship struggles, work challenges, and money issues.
Anxiety, depression, and burnout can also involve numbness and disconnection. Anxiety can include overwhelm, and we might respond with numbness to dampen the overwhelm. Depression can include loss of interest in activities we used to enjoy but now leave us feeling disconnected. Burnout from chronic stress can lead to numbness from exhaustion and disconnect from stressors.
Medication may also include side effects of emotional numbness.
If you’re feeling numb or disconnected, there are a few ways to address those feelings. Processing your feelings with someone you trust can help you feel your emotions, ideally in doses, and more connected. As you process your feelings, you may reflect on what events trigger your numbness. You can also use mindfulness techniques to bring awareness to your emotions in the present moment.
Deb Falzoi
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