Is it normal that i can't feel anything?

Hi, I have had a really tough past (abuse, 2 divorces, social problems, cutting, etc) and I was just wondering if it is normal to not feel anything. By this I mean it's a constant neutral feeling. Of course I can feel guilt and embarrassment and similar emotions but I can't feel sad or happy. Honestly, I don't remember the last time I cried even though I feel like I need to.

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51% Normal
Based on 71 votes (36 yes)
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Comments ( 10 )
  • RoseIsabella

    Sounds like you've been to hell and back! Therapy could probably be a great help to you.

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  • thegypsysailor

    You know, you've gone through so much and survived, perhaps with a bit of help you could reclaim your life.
    I would suggest you make every effort to be proud of the fact that you have survived, that you have beaten the odds; feel good about yourself. You did not lie down, become the victim, but moved on and grew. You are not at fault for your abuse, as you no doubt know, but do you believe it? Well believe it!
    Look in the mirror and marvel at how strong you are; like yourself again; love yourself.
    I'm sure there are some you know who are proud of you, who respect you. Are they wrong to do so? Of course not; you are SUPERWOMAN! Hooray.

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  • Erik963

    You better start feeling something or you will end up with a mental breakdown.

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  • Terence_the_viking

    I hope you find someone who shows you what your true worth is.

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  • Gamzeee

    You should talk to a therapist. Nothing is normal. Some people can feel things more than others.

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  • Watchout

    You really are a great adviser your wise words have touched my heart so gentle. I would cry if i have to but from now on,i have learnt something from you. In every situation im in i can survive it only if i belive,i can be strong and be like everyone else. Nothing can make me feel different from others! Thank you sooo much and may GOD BLESS YOU!

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  • I'mKidA

    Is it normal? Yes and no.

    I'd say that most people do not feel a chronic and pervasive numbness, though most people have experienced short episodes of this at some point (due to physical and/or emotional fatigue, shock or stress).

    However, given your experiences, I think that this is a fairly normal response. We will often use this sort of "emotional numbing" as a coping mechanism, to protect ourselves and prevent further trauma or pain.

    While emotional numbing may be normal in this context, it is not necessarily healthy.
    I would recommend talking to someone with training in this area (a therapist, counselor, psychologist, physician, etc.) since your symptoms, including the self-harm, could indicate a larger underlying problem.

    Emotional numbness could be a symptom of many different things including alexithymia, major depression, PTSD, a dissociative disorder, other anxiety, mood, or personality disorders, a neurological disorder, or other health problem.

    You could do some online research to see if your symptoms fit any diagnostic criteria, but it's most likely just a mild case of depression/dysthymia, not anything rare or life-threatening. You really ought to see a professional for an accurate diagnosis and to review potential treatments though.
    It's not good to go through life never feeling any happiness - especially when so many treatments have become available.

    By the way, I'm speaking mostly from personal experience - I can certainly relate to the emotional numbness, self-harm and other issues. I was a bit skeptical of medication and therapy (mostly because I was convinced that my problems weren't severe enough to fit a diagnosis), but it helped more than I expected. Hopefully you'll at least look into some of the available treatments... They might help you too.

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  • WhatAnEntertainingMorning

    I feel ya... been there, done that. Seems all I'm really left with feeling-wise is anger, and humor. Just the other night I felt so... exasperated with my circumstances I was just like "I've got to cry... comeon now..." And attempted as such, but as has been the case for many years now, almost as soon as I started it was like I automatically just stopped and back came the plain dead look to my face.

    Is it normal? No.

    Is it normal for someone who's been in such situations as us?... It's starting to look that way, yeah.

    Good luck.

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  • Godlovesyou

    You need God. Learn to pray. Let God fill your heart with love. It is well.

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    • Karmasbitch

      God damn it.

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