What does it mean that someone feels numb?

Emotional numbness, also known as emotional numbing, is something most people will experience at some point in their life. Quite often, the feeling is temporary. However, for some, feeling emotionally numb becomes a way of life to protect from further emotional or physical pain. Emotions are a critical part of how we function in life. In fact, one study found that people reported experiencing at least one emotion 90% of the time, with positive emotions being reported over 2.5 times more frequently than negative emotions. But when you’re overwhelmed or feeling helpless, it's not uncommon to turn to emotional numbness since it provides you with a protective defense. While this may provide temporary relief, learning to cope with difficult feelings this way can have long-lasting consequences. If you find yourself thinking, "I feel numb," it may be a sign of an emotional or mental health condition. You might have trouble identifying your own emotions and may struggle to join in or interact with other people.