When death of a loved one happens the usually response that all of us expect is crying and expression of that sadness. However, there are individuals who won’t display any emotion to the death of the loved one.
Emotional numbness is otherwise known as Anhedonia. Feeling nothing or not being able to access their emotions is something that characterizes this phase. This is a way of coping which may not be positive in nature but nonetheless the body and mind wants to cope with the loss. This is a defence mechanism employed by the mind to avoid intense emotions which the mind and body cannot tolerate.
The danger of emotional numbness is that if this is sustained then the danger of it turning into deep seated hurt is more likely. Along with the deep-seated hurt comes strains of anger which can be displaced on other people. There could also be a residue of other feelings that come in like shame and a strong feeling of punishing oneself. There can be a disconnect with reality.
Here are some significant signs of individuals being emotionless:
The individual demonstrates an inability to express negative feelings as well as positive emotions.
The individual will express an inability to fully be present in the moment.
The individual will not be able to understand certain events and situations being real. Some of it would seem like being a dream.
The individual will also experience an inability to relate to people.
The individual will lack an interest in things others generally like to do.
The individual will also experience feeling distant from others. These can also be accompanied with withdrawal tendencies.
There will be clear signs of lack of empathy.
There could be no reactions to any issue related to the death of the loved one.
What are some ways we can help someone who is emotionless?
1. Be in touch with their inner self: This can be done with meditation and taking quiet time for the individual to introspect and get in touch with what they are feeling. To understand what their inner self telling them.
2. Being involved in breathing exercises. This helps oxygen to enter into the body which helps the body to be energetic and feel positive.
3. Journaling is a positive response to combat emotional numbness. When they write about an event or something that upsets them, then that helps to release the emotions and that helps the body to feel lighter.
4. Use creative methods to express your emotions. Like painting or song writing.
Getting to unpack what emotion one feels will help the individual to heal better emotionally.
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