Am I the only one who criticizes myself for feeling numb to bad news?

Many people experience a sense of emotional detachment or numbness when confronted with difficult news, especially after repeated exposure. This isn't a sign of indifference, but often a natural protective response to overwhelming information. It's common to then feel a secondary layer of guilt or frustration over this perceived lack of reaction.

Research on compassion fatigue suggests that prolonged exposure to distressing information can lead to emotional exhaustion and desensitization in a significant portion of the population.

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<h1>Does everyone criticize themselves for feeling numb to bad news?</h1>

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to criticize yourself for feeling numb to bad news?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to criticize yourself for feeling numb to bad news?

Is It Weird?

Why do I criticize myself for feeling numb to bad news?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

I saw this thing happen today at my internship and it's been bugging me all night like seriously bugging me even tho I'm supposed to be asleep cuz I have school tomorrow but I just keep thinking… …

apathy guilt

I guess I feel like a total monster, sitting there, nodding along while my grandma talks about her latest aches and pains, all I can think about is getting back home to my games, like, a PART of me… …

apathy guilt

Like, a simmering, gut-wrenching kind of rage that I can’t quite place, but it feels like it’s aimed directly at my own stupid decisions. …

apathy guilt

I recall noting, with a certain clinical detachment, that his voice cracked precisely three times during the recounting of a specific anecdote involving a charity bake sale. …

apathy guilt

I just broke it off with Mark, a genuinely good man—a really *kind* man, the kind my therapist would call a "green flag" I guess—and all I feel is… nothing, just this hollow fucking relief, like I’ve… …

apathy guilt

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel numb to bad news sometimes?▾
Feeling numb to bad news can be a protective mechanism your mind uses when faced with overwhelming or repetitive negative information. It's a way to cope without being constantly flooded with intense emotions.
Is it normal to feel guilty about not reacting strongly to tragic events?▾
Yes, it's very common to feel guilty about not having a strong emotional reaction to tragic events, especially when you see others reacting differently. This guilt often stems from a societal expectation to show visible distress.
What can I do if I'm worried about my lack of emotional response?▾
If you're concerned about a consistent lack of emotional response, try to gently observe your feelings without judgment. Sometimes simply acknowledging the feeling of numbness, rather than fighting it, can be a helpful first step.

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