How To Be Less Numb?

[WillowMarie]

I have been feeling very numb the past couple of weeks and would like suggestions on how to get feelings back.

I have felt myself going through the motions and acting unconsciously, you know smiling, or laughing when needed. And another difference is I can't feel my body as much.

Which I never realized was part of being numb until I realized I couldn't feel my stomach and when i was full. Since the past couple of months, I have been feeling anxious and would get full easy. Now I seem to be back to over eating because I can't feel my body signals.

I started just yesterday writing down how my body feels at different times of the day, like different sensations or emotions I can identify. Since I read that is supposed to help.

What does everyone else do when feeling numb? What helps you?

 

[GWhizz]

I really do empathize with you. Sometimes feeling numb, to me, is worse than feeling bad. Because in my opinion it's only hiding what I truly need to feel and express.

I started a medication a few months ago, and initially it only numbed things. I didn't think that was much good - I wanted to resolve stuff not put a lid on it again.

Anyway, at the time, I just tried doing things that I enjoy, that take time, so I don't use that time for things I really wouldn't do normally like overeating. So I baked, practiced yoga and mindfulness (I find exercise always gives me a more positive energy), and I wrote stuff down. Don't worry, this will pass. But don't try to force it either. I know it's frustrating and uncomfortable, but you can't push yourself to feel more than your brain wants to right now. Keeping a little log of what you do feel sounds like a good idea, as it'll allow you to reflect

 

[Fadeaway]

Try to remind yourself that you are in a safe place to be able to feel and express your emotions. Taking good care of yourself. I'll lie in bed all day with a good book. Avoid stress as much as possible.

For me it is letting myself know that it is safe to feel. I always find that when I go from feeling unsafe, to same again, it all floods back, but more like a dam breaking. The period after i have been numb is always followed by the release of some good cleansing tears. Anyone else do that?

 

[Ti Vu]

Same here. Something just triggers me and I shut off, go into autopilot. And I hate it. But when I stare at something, I try to bring back a memory that involves it. I was at a mall today when I just went numb. I found myself in the gardening section of a department store. I saw a hose, and thought to myself, "What have I done with this lately?" I washed my car two weeks ago. It was a Sunday, like today. Sunny. Nice and warm outside, like today. I was wearing the same shorts. I felt relaxed that day. It kinda brings me back to the moment.

I also find that writing helps. The bad, the numb, and most importantly, the good. No matter how little or short it was. It makes it concrete, what I felt at that moment, that day. It reminds me that I can feel.

And I agree with GWhizz. Just doing something that you enjoy:)

@Fadeaway, it definitely feels overwhelming. I get choked up, but kind of good to start to feel again. :)

I'm very sorry that I can't be of any more help. I wish you the best on your healing. :)

 

[WillowMarie]

Thank you, I guess I never really thought about reminding myself that it is safe to feel and express now, when I feel numb.

I will try all of the suggestions.

I may have made it through the numbness as I went to the movies yesterday and the annie trailer made me want to break down and cry... which I thought was weird because I have seen it a couple times and didn't have this response, unless it was a different version. And I felt like crying three times during the movie.