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Emotional detachment refers to being disconnected or disengaged from the feelings of other people.
This can involve an inability or an unwillingness to get involved in the emotional lives of other people.
Emotional detachment can sometimes occur as a coping mechanism when people are faced with stressful or difficult situations.
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In other cases, it can be a symptom of a mental health condition.
What Are Signs of Emotional Detachment?
There are a number of signs and symptoms of emotional detachment.
What Causes Emotional Detachment?
Emotional detachment can have many different causes.
Some common causes of emotional detachment are listed below.
Experiences
Past abuse, neglect, and trauma can contribute to emotional detachment.
Children who grow up in abusive situations may use this detachment as a way to cope.
Mental Health Conditions
Emotional detachment can also be a symptom of a number of psychological conditions.
You should talk to your doctor if you begin to experience emotional detachment while taking your antidepressant.
Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or consider switching you to a different medication.
Emotional detachment can also be a problem associated with asubstance use disorder.
In some instances, emotionally detaching can help protect people from the effects of traumatic experiences.
Types
Emotional detachment may also be a symptom of an attachment disorder.
These may include:
How Do You Fix Emotional Detachment?
The treatment approach used to address emotional detachment depends on what exactly is causing it.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and may make a diagnosis that can then help determine your treatment plan.
Treatments that your doctor may recommend include psychotherapy and medications.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Keep in Mind
Emotional detachment can occur for a number of different reasons.
When used voluntarily, it can help protect people from potentially traumatizing experiences.
If emotional detachment is negatively affecting your life and ability to function, talk to your doctor or therapist.
Treatments are available that can help you reconnect with your emotions and re-engage with important areas of your life.
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