Anyone else sometimes "forget how to feel" ?

Question

I don't really know how to word it other than forgetting how to feel, but I'll do my best.
I guess it's kind of like everything shuts down and you're on autopilot. Emotions are just... Not there? I've just been sat in a dark room, doing nothing for nearly 3 hours. I only got up so I could put my Son in bed (he was already asleep in his high chair), and then since I was up anyway I put the light on.
It used to only happen once in a while, and I figured it was a way for me to cope with whatever stress I had, but it's been happening more often in the last few months. I suppose it could still be a stress response to the lockdown, I mostly just wondered if anyone else had experienced something similar?

Answer

I get that, especially since my dad passed away. I figured out i do it on days I dont want to deal with emotions, my partner says I can be lile the ice queen one moment, not have any feeling then I'm the most caring person in the world xxx

Answer

Wow I’ve never felt that way ever, I was going to say I don’t think this is normal but based on other comments sounds like it happens more often than I realized. If it started since pregnancy or after you had your baby it sounds like it could be a symptom of PPD to me, I would mention it to your doctor. If you realize you are doing this to avoid feeling your emotions I would try and find something to keep you busy. For me, sadness is always felt easier if I’m not busy, being busy distracts my mind. Maybe try a new hobby, or go on walks, or cook something. If you’re just sitting there I’m sure it makes you feel even more numb

Answer

Yes. For years I felt numb. I wasn’t depressed feeling, but I also wasn’t happy ever. The only time I ever felt anything was when I was angry. After awhile I found myself watching the faces of those around me constantly to try and mimic their expressions. It became easier and easier to pretend to laugh, smile or seem sad. I found it made people around me comfortable rather than just sitting there emotionless. After years and years of this I had started to accept that this was my normal. Then one day I started to research things and found out it is a form of depression. I began speaking to my doctor about it and he confirmed it was a form of depression. I stressed to him I didn’t feel depressed and in fact I didn’t really feel anything. He told me he understood my confusion but that I was actually depressed. He began trying different medications along with therapy until we found a regimen that worked for me. For the first time in years I began to feel emotions again. It has been a little over 3 years and although at times I wish I could be numb again because I hate feeling pain and hurt; overall I am thankful my doctor and I stuck with things and figured out a way to make me feel again. There is hope for you, speak to your doctor and don’t rest until you find what works for you. Do it for your child and more importantly do it for yourself.

Answer

This happens from time to time for me, I’ve dealt with depression (dysthymia) since adolescence, for me, this is a symptom I check for actively to make sure I keep myself on the right mental path. If you can, I suggest filling that time w journaling or even coloring or art, to encourage thoughts to process. Yes, this can totally be a normal reaction to our new norm w the pandemic. Sending all positive thoughts your way

Answer

I feel numb sometimes. For me it’s grief combined with anger of my loss. I have not sat in the dark for hours though. Is this new since the baby? If so, mention to your obgyn or pcp to rule out post partum depression and/or to find the right treatment for you

Anyone else sometimes "forget how to feel" ?

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