Why do I feel so numb all the time?

221 Answers Moderated by Ashley Cox, LMHC Updated: May 22, 2019

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Anonymous on Oct 29, 2014

What you are experiencing might be depression. I don't really know why it happens. It's a really bad feeling, but everything will return. Maybe not soon, but you will feel all your emotions one day, and you won't ever feel anything close to numbness again. I'm saying this from experience.

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Erynn on Dec 24, 2014

There are many reasons for feeling numb, the most common one is depression.  But, emotions are very individual.  It may help to journal or discuss this with someone.  When did you first start feeling this way?  What was going on at the time?  How long have you been feeling like this?  Were there any breaks for a while?  What are some common thoughts that you have when you are feeling numb?  How long do you feel numb before the emotion changes?  How quickly does it return?  It may help to track your emotions for a while - when you start feeing numb, make note of what you are thinking, what was just happening in your life, and any other emotions you may feel in addition to or before/after you feel numb.  It sounds like you've been feeling numb for a long time- if you haven't already, it may be a good time to look into seeing a counselor and seeking some professional help.

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MChloe on Jul 15, 2015

Feeling numb is frustrating and I know because I've felt that way. But I can tell you that it is not a permanent feeling. You won't feel like that your whole life, don't worry. It is hard to stop feeling numb, but there are so little things that you can do that can probably help you: do things you love. Go out, hang out with friends/family, take care of yourself, etc. You probably feel like this because you felt so much pain that now your brain just shut down and you don't want to feel anymore. You feel devastated, like there's nothing to look forward to. And i'm sorry about that. I hope you can overcome this problem, good luck with everything!

brightForest58 on Aug 2, 2015

I tend to feel numb when my life is dull. I get into a rut where my life is the same day in and day out. No excitement to get my blood pumping. I talk to the same people everyday about the same things. Nothing new. When I start to feel numb I know it's time for change. Sometimes it's something simple. A new haircut. A new outfit. Sometimes I need to make big changes. A new place to live or a new job. Change is good. It reminds us to always evolve as a person. If those things don't help then I look beyond the daily details. Look for a new hobby. Go skydiving! Time to start thinking and acting outside of the box!

calmWaves10 on Jun 26, 2015

Becoming physically numb can be incredibly frightening, but becoming emotionally numb can also be very serious. Emotional numbness is essentially feeling emotionless. It's related a great deal to depression and extreme stress, and it occurs most often in those with severe anxiety.

Anonymous on Nov 16, 2014

I feel the feeling of numbness is a symptom in response to some emotional stressor. I think the best way to go about addressing it is to strengthen the body and focus our physical sense to balance these emotions or lack of.

Starree on Sep 21, 2014

sometimes this is a way to mentally proctect yourself from stress or other negative emotions. When it becomes a reoccuring feeling it is mot likely that it still takes a toll on you and you have yet come to acceptance of the negative that has been numbing you.

Semi198 on Jan 3, 2018

I believe its a defense mechansim of the body in stress or periods of grief  that i have been through so much mental and emotional stress that it became so unbearable that eventually and gradually i started feeling numb and this process just continued. First ,there were fragments of feelings that i used to have then they were lost too over the period of time and made me more numb. With the passing time i only felt it worse than before. I don't know  whether its killing me or making me stronger. It just becomes a part of  you and you have this belief that you are lost forever

joyousJoy97 on Aug 1, 2015

for me its not that i actually feel numb but the fact that i  wont allow myself to feel anything. I dont want people to know im sad so i find it easier to just block it out.

hopefulPower94 on Jul 1, 2015

Sometimes when people have been through trauma or have experienced intense emotions, the mind protecting its sanity will suppress the emotions leaving the person feeling numb. 