vegabega

311d

Idk which condition of mine this relates to, but has anyone else had problems with empathy and emotion at times? It’s not even all the time, but it’s often enough to notice… like, someone will cry and I just won’t know what to do at all. And I feel almost numb. And then I feel bad for feeling numb, because I do care, I just don’t… feel it, right that moment. Where do those moments of numbness come from? Is it some sort of coping/defense mechanism?

advertisement

Top reply
    • adv3nture

      311d

      a lot of autistic people struggle with feeling empathy towards others at certain times just because it’s “too much” and often not comprehensible what you’re supposed to do, or why they’re crying. that’s pretty normal! i experience that as well.

    • adv3nture

      311d

      a lot of autistic people struggle with feeling empathy towards others at certain times just because it’s “too much” and often not comprehensible what you’re supposed to do, or why they’re crying. that’s pretty normal! i experience that as well.

    • adv3nture

      311d

      as for c-PTSD, it could be due to someone crying stirring something up for you that you dissociate from, causing you to feel numb.

    • Bionicx11

      311d

      I am Autistic and struggle with empathy and i have experienced this but i don't Always struggle with empathy

    • serendi

      311d

      Both of adv3nture’s comments are things I was thinking. Plus, depression literally saps you of energy. It could be any one of those—or a mix of them—in different situations. I’m not sure if this is the kind of answer you’d want, but IMO, it’s best to let your mind do what it needs to do at the time, even if that means feeling numb. You can always come back to the event in later conversations when your brain is able to tolerate it.

    • NekoTeto123

      311d

      I have the same problem, I dont know how to handle other people's emotions. I freeze up in the moment and I always feel awful, but my mind goes completely blank when that happens. Like others have said, It's probably a mix between the autism, cptsd, and depression. It's okay to struggle with empathy, so many neurodivergent people do. The best you can do is address it at an appropriate time with the other person, and brainstorm ways to help them in those moments. It's easier to have a script than to figure it out in the heat of the moment.

☝ 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.

Find people who are
experiencing a similar
medical reality

100% Free
100%
Free

Download Alike for the full experience

JOIN

View All

Bupropion

night sweats

paranoid

Valium

sertraline

palpitations

Anxiety (Including GAD)

Depression

palpitations

Depression

Valium

Bupropion