Can We Really Be “Comfortably Numb”?
Quite often, feeling numb is temporary.
However, for some, emotional numbness becomes a strategy to protect themselves from further emotional or physical pain.
Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
While it may provide temporary relief, learning to cope with difficult feelings this way can have long-lasting consequences.
Even if they’re doing it unconsciously, they might useavoidant behaviorsand steer clear of certain people or situations.
They might be indenial, which is a common defense mechanism people use to avoid emotionaltriggersand negative feelings.
Causes of Emotional Numbness
Feeling emotionally numb can happen as a result of physical or emotional pain.
When this happens, you may feel temporary relief that allows you to move on.
There are a variety of reasons you might feel numb.
High levels of anxiety are linked with the avoidance of both positive and negative emotions.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
People withBPDmay experience periods of emotional detachment or numbness.
It may feel as though their feelings are not their own.
They may choose to adjust your dosage or change the medication altogether.
Overwhelming Stress
Emotional numbness can result fromhigh levels of stress.
Physical Abuse
People who are physically abused may feel emotionally numb.
Feeling numb can be a coping mechanism to avoid dealing with a dangerous and frightening situation.
Psychotherapy may support the learning and the use ofemotion-focused problem-solving tools.
You may learn to allow feelings to emerge and to process them in the safe environment of therapy.
Find out which option is the best for you.
It addresses how certain thoughts may be contributing to your emotions.
Here are a few ideas you’ve got the option to try on your own.
Minimize Stress
Both daily stressors and overwhelming stress are major contributors to emotional numbness.
Finding ways to bettermanage stressis key to addressing the avoidance of emotions and feelings.
Eat a nutritious diet.
If you are struggling with substance use, talk to a doctor.
They may recommend you attend counseling or a support group for additional support.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Takeaways
So, is it possible to be comfortably numb?
Let’s break it down.
Reaching out to a doctor is the first step to addressing emotional numbing.
They can help you find a mental health professional trained in these areas.
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