What you’re actually trying to numb

Emotional numbing is used as a defense mechanism. 

Feeling numb for many can be feeling empty, depleted, dead on the inside, lack of care & unmotivated. 

Some people seek out emotional numbing. It is their way of leaving reality & time passing. While others feel that numbing takes them away from themselves. 

We all numb for different reasons, but mainly it’s our way of getting away from the pain. The pain of life, the pain of our emotions, the pain of just being human. 

Many do not realize that numbing contributes to the pain. It doesn’t erase the pain but it makes the pain pause & once the numbing ends, the play button is pressed & the pain resumes. 

Emotional numbing can look like addiction (substances, alcohol, gambling etc.), excessively reading, dreaming or watching movies or throwing yourself into work/job. 

Numbing can happen at any time when you are running from your emotions. Most people do it unknowingly, and some are aware of their numbing defense mechanism. Though numbing is our brain's way of removing us from danger, it can also hinder us from healing. 

One you realize you are numbing to get away from your emotions. You can use these reflections to help you identify what emotions or feelings you are running away from. 

Reflections:

What are my emotions, thoughts or feelings trying to tell me? 

What am I getting from emotionally numbing (or disassociating)? 

Why is it hard for me to relate to my feelings? 

You don’t have to hold it all anymore. Release a little. Relearn slowly. Reframe when you’re ready.

Your real life therapist, Renice