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

It's quite common to feel a sense of detachment or numbness when confronted with difficult news, especially after repeated exposure. This isn't a sign of indifference, but often a natural protective mechanism. Many people experience a similar reaction, and the subsequent self-criticism stems from a desire to feel more connected and empathetic.

Research suggests that prolonged exposure to negative news can lead to desensitization in a significant portion of the population, impacting emotional responses.

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

Am I the Only One?

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

Does Everyone?

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 when I hear bad news?▾
Feeling numb can be a way your mind copes with overwhelming information, particularly when news is constantly negative or traumatic. It's a natural, often unconscious, mechanism to prevent emotional overload.
What does it mean if I don't react to sad news?▾
Not reacting immediately to sad news doesn't mean you lack empathy. It might indicate a delayed emotional response, a protective emotional buffer, or simply a different way of internalizing difficult information than others.
How can I stop feeling guilty about my emotional reactions?▾
Understanding that emotional responses vary widely and are often outside immediate control can help. Focus on small, actionable ways to engage with the world, rather than dwelling on the intensity of your initial feelings.

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