Methods for dealing with emotional numbness?

[beautifulearth83]

Hello,

 

For some time now, I've been dealing with this horrible shift in my state of being. I could be lively and outgoing one moment, able to feel and laugh, be down to Earth, talk to girls and emotionally numb, distant, aloof the next.

 

In the numb state, the left side of my head feels tight and it goes down my body as well. I kind of feel invisible, indestructible, like a ghost beside myself. I know that sounds kind of intense, but it's the best way I know to explain it. At this point, all I think about is myself and who I am. I'm no longer able to appreciate the breeze and take notice to someone else and really care for them.

 

My thoughts are that I've developed this condition as a coping mechanism and a way to protect my true feelings, which I wish to express and live with, but do not want to experience the pain of rejection, failure and being misunderstood. I could be completely wrong.

 

Another thought is simply that I've been living a fairly isolated life for the past few years. I rarely see friends or loved ones and most of my time is spent in my apartment. I don't feel like I'm part of the flow of life. I don't experience the sadness, the pressure, the joys or anything. If I do, it is short-lived.

 

I will mention that I am on anti-depressants and they are helping. I was doing pretty horrible before being prescribed.

 

Underlying this as well is the fact that I have OCD. There is an element of perfectionism at play, which I feel plays a part in the example of going numb while talking to a girl. There is a part of me that wants things to be a certain way, so perhaps I restrain myself because of past relationship issues. I could be completely wrong about that as well.

 

I was wondering if anybody out there has experienced similar sensations? Do you have any techniques for entering your feelings and becoming more present?

 

Thanks,

 

BE

[january2011]

I haven't experienced it personally on a regular basis. However, the people I know who have the symptoms and blunted affect that you describe, believe that their condition is lifelong and it needs to be managed with medication and therapy.

 

Since you're experiencing physical symptoms as well, it could be the meds, and/or it could be something physiological. I suggest talking to your primary care physician, who might suggest an MRI.

 

Because you've received a diagnosis, your healthcare providers will be the best people to advise you. There are some people on this forum who have personal experience of mental health issues and some who are either studying in the field or are qualified. But in the main, we're ill-equipped for situations such as yours that require qualified advice. You might also wish to do a Google search and look for a site that is specific to your condition, where you're more likely to find people who have direct personal or professional experience and can provide you with better support.

[pillowcase]

Hello,

 

For some time now, I've been dealing with this horrible shift in my state of being. I could be lively and outgoing one moment, able to feel and laugh, be down to Earth, talk to girls and emotionally numb, distant, aloof the next.

 

I was wondering if anybody out there has experienced similar sensations? Do you have any techniques for entering your feelings and becoming more present?

 

Thanks,

 

BE

 

Sounds familiar. I don't experience any physical effect, but the aloof, detached thing I got going on pretty wel although I am trying to be more 'engaged' in my life and lives of those around me.

 

Interestingly, the aloof/ detached thing happens the closer I become to someone. One theory I have is that I just get bored easily and once I have someone's 'validation' so to speak, I move on. Its a characteristic that I dislike intensely about myself and I am in the process of trying to figure it out.

 

I also attribute it to social malaise and a lack of satisfaction with my life direction overall. NLP and daily meditation help with this, so you could perhaps try those techniques?

[beautifulearth83]

Thanks for your responses. I'm not really sure what to do about it. I really hope that is doesn't last the rest of my life. I've developed some pretty bad habits that I wish to shake. I want to connect with family members and true friends, let go of past hurts and learn to trust people again. I'd like to find somebody to love and be responsible and share my gifts with others. I want to be honest and true and loyal and giving and appreciative. It's so hard to live in this world sometimes, because I feel like there is so much that can distract you and I'm really hard on myself when I make a mistake. I don't want to be alone and lifeless.