Why do I feel numb when loved ones are happy or sad?

Feeling disconnected from the joy or sorrow of people you care about can be perplexing and even distressing. This emotional numbness often stems from a variety of factors, including past experiences that taught you to suppress feelings, or current stress that overloads your emotional capacity. Sometimes, it's a protective mechanism your mind employs when emotions feel too overwhelming to fully experience.

Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress can lead to emotional blunting in over 30% of individuals, making it harder to experience both positive and negative e

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Am I the only one who can't connect to loved ones' joy or sadness?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone struggle to connect with loved ones' joy or sadness?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to feel disconnected from others' happiness or sorrow?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to feel nothing when loved ones are joyful or sad?

Is It Weird?

Real stories from the community

I got to the top of this mountain, right, like, sunrise over the clouds and everything, the kind of view people literally die for. …

emotional numbness

stood there tonight, like, while everyone was raving about my painting, and I just felt so totally EMPTY looking at it, you know? …

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My partner talking, words coming out, but it was like a silent movie. …

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i just played the biggest solo of my life tonight to a standing ovation and everyone was like OMG you were AMAZING and i just smiled and bowed and all i could think about was how BADLY i wanted to go… …

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Carnegie Hall, packed to the rafters, you could feel the buzz… all the lights, the cameras… my manager, he kept saying “this is IT, this is your legacy, Frank” and I just nodded, yeah, sure, legacy. …

emotional numbness

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes emotional numbness in relationships?▾
Emotional numbness in relationships can be triggered by chronic stress, past emotional hurt, or even a sense of being overwhelmed by life's demands. It can be a way your mind tries to cope with difficult situations by dialing down all strong feelings.
Can stress make me feel disconnected from family?▾
Yes, high levels of stress can significantly impact your emotional availability and make you feel disconnected from family and friends. When your system is in 'fight or flight' mode, there's often less capacity for empathy or shared emotional experiences.
How can I reconnect with my emotions?▾
Reconnecting with your emotions often involves creating space for them to surface. Simple practices like focusing on physical sensations, engaging in creative activities, or spending time in nature can gently encourage emotional awareness over time.

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