Written by: Ehsan Siddiqui
21 July 2025
You're not sad or upset; you just feel numb and detached from people and situations around, like you're going through life on autopilot. It can be emotional numbness. Here's what it means.
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Emotional numbness is your brain's defence mechanism, what many people describe as feeling 'dead inside'. You feel detached going through life, but unable to feel the range of emotions passionately.
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The feeling of alienation is a crucial indicator of emotional numbness. You can feel as if you're watching life from away, rather than actively engaging. It can also apply to your loved ones.
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Things that would normally make other people feel strongly, such as happiness, sadness, rage, or excitement, may cause you to react little to not at all.
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Emotionally numb people often find themselves avoiding situations, conversations, movies, or memories that might bring up feelings. It's a subconscious effort to remain numb.
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Emotional numbness can make even things seem meaningless. You may lose motivation to work, study, or socialize, not from laziness but due to emotional disconnect.
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Emotional numbness can affect daily life and relationships. Small steps like writing or talking to loved ones may help. If it persists, seek a mental health professional; therapy and the right guidance can help you reconnect.
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