Empty Shell

[Inwardly_Broken]

The best way I can describe how I've been lately is that I feel like an empty shell. I am disconnected from my emotions. I have no interest to get off my butt and do things that I enjoy and I don't really want to go out and see people or even be around them. I hate when I get into these slumps.

I was on my bed the other night just feeling so lost and empty. For the first time in months I cried because I felt so alone. People I really want to talk to and confide in say they will get a hold of me to talk but they never do and then I'm left feeling unloved. Then I end up getting angry at myself for feeling like that because I shouldn't be so dependent on them.

I'm just in a slump right now and I hate it. What do you all do to get out of these slumps?

 

[Lady Vet]

I remember so many times when I have felt this way. And I have one friend in particular who would say to me (when I would mention that I'd had a hard night, or something), "Why didn't you call? You know you can always call." But often I DID call, and there was no answer...and no call back if I did leave a message. It's a horrible, horrible feeling to be in pain and need to talk about it, but having no one on the other end to pick up and listen.

What do you all do to get out of these slumps?

I, myself, have never really found something to help me get out of the slump...but I did learn (eventually) how to ride them out. That's what it became for me, a "ride this out" part of my life where I held on the the hope that I would pull through this one just like I have every other time. It sucks that this is the truth, but it has been that way (for me).

Part of what I learned, too, is that I still had to do things, even if I didn't feel like it. I remember one afternoon in particular when folding laundry felt like this absolutely insurmountable task. But I folded everything one piece at a time, literally telling myself, "OK, fold this one piece. That's all you have to focus on, just fold this one face cloth. Don't think about anything else but folding this one facecloth." And eventually I got through the whole stack of laundry, but only because I shut out everything else, and focused only on the one thing I was forcing myself to do.

I wish you didn't feel this way, but it is what it is. I don't know how new you are to this forum, but it's a great place for information and support. I really hope you find a way that works for you. Best of luck...and many blessings for peace and healing.

 

[Sara1999]

People I really want to talk to and confide in say they will get a hold of me to talk but they never do and then I'm left feeling unloved.

I just call them when I want to see or talk to them. My friends seem hesitant sometimes to "bother" me since some days I feel social and other days I just want to be left alone. I think when people don't know what to say to you, they sometimes avoid you. So when I am having a day where I actually want some human contact, I initate it. Otherwise I do end up feeling unloved.

 

[Helliepig]

Often I think it is a matter of riding it out.... just trusting it will pass.

Sometimes I realise I'm angry and actually I've kind of gone on strike because I am so peed off at trying....

 

[timid_flower]

The best way I can describe how I've been lately is that I feel like an empty shell.

I know that feeling all too well. That's exactly how I explained it to my closest friend on Friday. A year ago I was, as you mentioned, like an empty shell. I didn't feel anything, I was numb to any emotion and only went on about living by routine.

I'm actually not at that point anymore. I started therapy and medication and was able to start feeling better. I had been doing ok, until recently. I had never talked about those feelings with my friends or family before, but I was telling my friend how I didn't want to go back to that.

Unfortunately, I don't how to stop these slumps from happening or a definite way to get out of them. As others mentioned, I think we just have to ride them out when they come.

 

[InHell11]

That is simular to how I have been feeling lately, except I doubt I could cry even if I wanted to. I certainly feel lonely enough but there simply isn't enough emotion for it to amount to much. I can hardly seem to even express what I am thinking about, feeling or not feeling.

I don't know exactly how to get out of this sort of slump though, usually it doesn't last so long and I end up more anxious and depressed than numb. However this time the numbness has been frequent for a good 3 weeks when usually it might last a day or maybe a few hours if Ive exhausted myself from being on edge for too long or from having a panic attack/flashback thing.

I suppose all there is to do is ride it out, as has already been mentioned.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I journal. I write it all down. That way I am getting it out and it helps me work stuff out when I read it back.

 

[Britt.f7]

I've been going in and out of slumps since my last major depressive episode last year about this time. I actually seemed to be getting better before thanksgiving. Then a series of events occurred and I have been trying to keep myself afloat.

I tell myself little things to help me hold on. Like, well if I can just hang on I have an appointment coming up, or my family will be home, and things like that. I give myself something in the near future to try and grasp.

In my head, logically, I know things will get better. Even if they get worse, they will still get better eventually. Knowing, I would really prefer not to ride that storm, but I hold on.

 

[Jlso111187]

I have been feeling like this a lot lately. So I know what your going through.

I am to the point to where if I'm not crying I am constantly sleeping. I don't even want to be around my children. I can't keep living like this that is why I am hoping to get some sense of how I am feeling from this site.

I just want you to know if you need to talk I am here for you.

 

[who am i kim]

It sounds like we all hate this days and I do. I ride it out somehow and the next day appears. I usually sleep it off as best I can. I have been told to do something I really really would like to do, something only for myself, does not always happen. But it is a good thought.

 

[FallenAngelJJD]

I feel the exact same way. Its hard to go on day by day , and get everyday tasks done, or even just get out of bed. I hear you.. for now I just ride it out, and go to therapy