Feeling Emotionally Numb: Any Tips?

It took me a while to realize that i’m in a near constant state of dissociation. From birth to age 18 I rarely ever felt things, but i’m 22 now and I’m so glad I stuck around to see through it. I still get that way, but I also find ways to spark emotion through: civil debate (finding people who also like to debate about my passions: it gets me fired me up which feels good!), finding/indulging in my fav foods and snacks that stimulate my senses (hot fries, slushies), m@sturbation (WITHOUT p0rn, p0rn adds to the numbness), hot-to-freezing showers: start warm, get hot, end with it freezing cold- good for the body too, exercise-but in a fun way: go to an aerial yoga class or download pokémon go and do daily walks, reduce media consumption: replace it with creation (currently learning to code and do graphic design), if you like animals go to shelters and volunteer or just spend time with them, cultivate hobbies - I know it seems silly because you may feel you have no passions but just pick something and try it - I wish I would’ve done this more. Most importantly, give yourself grace. I know how hard it is, but you owe it to yourself. Pay attention to times when you feel less numb and keep a running note in your phone of what could’ve caused that. I’m sorry you feel this way, it’s the worst thing in the world, but i’m rooting for you!

For me it takes a whole lot to not feel numb anymore. I was able to break the wall once and emotion came flooding through. I was so happy to feel emotion again. what I did was that I watched a childhood movie of mine from back when I used to be so happy and it really brought me back. The movie is Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. Try to find something that brings you intense emotion, preferably positive, I hope this helps. You also need to take time off and rest, let your brain heal and eventually you'll start to feel again. Your brain goes numb to protect you when you experience too much trauma/distress, this happened to me too and still does but I was able to get it much better.

honestly i haven't figured out a way to stop it without just giving it time but i can say i relate to the feeling of numbness. its difficult to deal with but i guess its how it goes sometimes. hopefully someone with more experience knows more than i do about how to handle the numbness