Has anyone ever "shut off" their emotions to the point that you can't react in a way that you should? For instance, something extremely sad and life changing happens, but you are just numb and going through the motions without crying at all. Sort of acting like it's "business as usual " or part of daily routines. You feel sad and tear up, but cannot let it all out and actually cry.
Yes I've been there. And sorta still am.... I cry during a sad movie, well tear up. Yet if a friend dies Im like damn that sucks. I'm sad though a part of me doesn't miss them and a part of me does.
it sucks. It affects so much of my life and I only recently realized it. I'm just like "oh, ok.", and just keep going about my business. It's like I have become a drone.
There came a point, about 6 years ago, that I felt like I was all cried out and had nothing left to give where sadness is concerned. Even when I am sad it is very hard for me to express it or even cry. I feel almost like that specific part of me is dead for lack of a better way to phrase it. Don't get me wrong I have empathy for others, but I can't cry when I know if I felt normal like I used to than I would be able to. I feel weird even admitting this.
I can imagine it does feel weird admitting it. It was really weird when I realized how long it has been since I shut down emotionally. And to actually tell my counselor about it was hard. I felt broken and like I was wrong for being/feeling that way.
you are not broken or wrong for feeling the way you do. You just process things differently. When people bring up the word normal, my response is always "What is normal? And why do we need to fit into what someone else considers normal?" We don't need to. What is normal for me isn't going to be for someone else and vice versa. Without a doubt I know how hard and terrifying it was for you to tell you counselor what you did. You should be proud of yourself for taking that step and maybe it will help you to heal? If you need someone to talk to just know I am here and don't hesitate to reach out.
I am so glad your counsler gave that to you. It is very true! You do have the right to feel how you do and it doesn't make it wrong or bad. I remember doing an exercise where we would say "I feel" instead of "I think" and that kind of blew me away because it changed the context so much! I have always tried to remember that especially when it comes to disagreements with my spouse or my children (two are adults and one is a teen) and it has helped express myself so much more. I like the idea of watching sad movies so you experience crying because of them. That is a great experiment/exercise to do. I guess I never thought of trying that so thank you for that! How is everything else going for you?
I like the "I feel" statements too! It really does change the dynamics of conversations. I have used them with my husband and grown kids as well. I'm teaching my granddaughter to use them too. She is 11 and I have had guardianship of her since she was 3.
How am I doing otherwise? Over the last 2-3 weeks I have been super tired all the time. Like, I can hardly keep my eyes open at times kind of tired. And have had a headache every single day. It varies in intensity, but is always there. I feel like I can't catch a break. UGH.
☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Share
Copy Link
Copied
Join the Alike community
Discover your Alikeness™ with people who are on the same journey, gain wisdom and get emotional relief in a secure & anonymous space.
.svg)
.svg)
dolphinblues
306d
Has anyone ever "shut off" their emotions to the point that you can't react in a way that you should? For instance, something extremely sad and life changing happens, but you are just numb and going through the motions without crying at all. Sort of acting like it's "business as usual " or part of daily routines. You feel sad and tear up, but cannot let it all out and actually cry.
0
12
Share
acute lethargy
Recurrent major depression disorder
Numbness
Miah77
277d
1
Miah77
277d
0
skooshy
234d
0
skooshy
219d
0
dolphinblues
219d
0
☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision