Why do I feel so empty?
108 Answers
Moderated by Maria Wasielewski, Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, University of Arizona
Updated: Oct 5, 2021
OvercomeDespair857
on
Nov 5, 2015
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I also can relate to this question way too much. I feel empty. I can't describe to you my true emotions, ever. It's not what I'd call a good thing. I wish I could distinguish my feelings and emotions like most people. But I just can't. Perhaps it's cause I'm an introvert? I don't know. Why can't I feel alive, rather than empty? It's not fair. I know saying that makes me selfish, but I am so tired of feeling this way. I look at people around me and they look so alive, even in their eyes and I think to myself "God, why can't I feel and look like that all the time?" What am I doing wrong..? I never asked to feel or be this way...
demonhunterkaz2y5
on
Nov 20, 2015
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People can feel 'empty' for many reasons. The most common of these reasons is that they have been so emotionally distressed for so long that their minds long to stop feeling, and they do, which is an experience that can never be understood by anyone who has not experienced it.
Anonymous
on
Aug 28, 2015
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people generally feel empty when they don't have any motive to do things or when they don't have people on whom they can trust on or count on.
Brok3nHeart
on
Aug 21, 2015
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Because you have CONVINCED yourself that all the negative thoughts in you're head are true. It is a combination of overthinking and giving up. You are not alone, never give up.
Anonymous
on
Aug 21, 2015
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Sometimes, our minds create a natural defense against pain. Sometimes, that defense is emotional numbness (or emptiness). It's not wrong to feel empty. It's just something that you have to work through. Joining with your therapist or counselor can be very helpful in battling this challenge, as you often will need to remind yourself of why your mind is reacting with this shield. It can be helpful to surround yourself with things that make you feel good or happy. Where is your fuzziest stuffed animal? What's your favorite song? Sometimes it's good to spoil yourself with positive things while you work through the emotional numbness. Replacing the negative emotions associated with your empty feeling with positive emotions produced by doing what makes you feel good can be super helpful in the process of reversing the numbness.
Ewurabena25
on
Sep 25, 2015
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I am not really sure who I am still and I haven't found confidence in myself yet. Which means i keep comparing myself to others and looking for validation in external places which always leaves me feeling a little hollow inside
AngelSkyLovelySnowflake
on
Nov 14, 2015
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we feel so empty because our hearts need to be fed with love. We want to be loved by others and to love. Just like the saying "I don't need a lot of stuff, I just want to love
ocean21
on
Sep 9, 2015
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First of all there is nothing wrong with you. Empty is not a feeling, it is a thought or idea you have of what empty is like. Under all of who you think you are is a hurting little person who needs to be heard. You need to feel your true feelings of anger, sadness, grief, and hurt. Your are running and the perfect life is not working for you because you have been hiding from all the stuff you wish you could release, and the good news is that you can. But only you can do it. Look up grief work on the computer and it will explain it to you. You will find joy, only when you do the work.
T0fflan
on
Sep 17, 2015
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In my experience emptimess may come from being at a standstill in your life. It's almost a basic need to be able to feel yourself moving forwards in life, to accomplish things. So I would suggest to just do something new. Try to say yes where you'd normally say no, within reason of course. Try out a new activity. Try to become better at an old activity.
Of course, that's not the only possible reason for feeling empty. But it is a legit one, that a lot of people might not think about sometimes.
ash420blazeit
on
Sep 2, 2015
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Everybody goes through times like these. You just 'feel' empty, you aren't. It's all in your head and you need to remember that. You're going to get through this.
IntriguingMint
on
Aug 20, 2015
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Feelings of emptiness can come from a lot of different emotions, but basically they're a signal that you need more connection in your life. That can mean connection to other people, or to a hobby or activity you enjoy doing. Everyone feels empty sometimes, and the best thing to do is to have compassion for yourself when you feel this way.
Anonymous
on
Sep 29, 2015
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People can feel empty when they are overwhelmed by many strong emotions. Emptiness and apathy can be a symptom of a mental illness such as depression if it lasts for a long time.
Anonymous
on
Sep 16, 2015
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Don't worry. Maybe u don't talk to many people. Here, u can share all ur thoughts with me. I'm listening
chanelellierhea5
on
Oct 28, 2015
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Many people feel empty inside. I believe there is only one cause of inner emptiness and that is lack of love. But it's not somebody else's lack of love that makes you feel empty, not loving yourself is causing this emptiness. When you abandon yourself by judging yourself, ignoring your feelings, numbing your feelings, or making others responsible for your feelings, you are causing your emptiness. When you learn to love yourself and accept yourself for who you are, you will begin to fill this emptiness.
paperbunni
on
Aug 24, 2015
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Depression is like a leak or a hole. It slowly drains everything out of you; sadness, joy, anger- just everything. Left unpatched, it just gets worse. It's terrible because even things we're passionate about can seem dull, and it's in the midst depression that we need things we love the most. Be patient with yourself, the hollowness tends to come in waves. With effort and perseverance, better days will come back filled with yet to come. ^-^
Eliise
on
Nov 22, 2015
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I feel empty because I can't find a reason. There is no reason for waking, walking, talking or working while such things happen in the world.
Anonymous
on
Aug 19, 2015
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It may be your mind's way of coping with difficult emotions - instead of dealing with it, your body shuts down and completely stops you from feeling anything at all. A good way to get yourself feeling again is to write regularly in a journal and talk to someone about it.
Anonymous
on
Aug 19, 2015
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I feel empty because I have been feeling really Down and suicidal, which aren't so fun. And I also want to be happier
Anonymous
on
Sep 13, 2015
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From personal experience I've seen that I feel empty when I seek validation from others. Lack of confidence in myself makes me feel hollow. I feel unloved, and therefore sad and empty.
InGam93
on
Sep 18, 2015
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Sometimes the feeling of nothigness is a sign of alarm that tells you that your life needs a change of prespective.
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