What to Do When You Feel Emotionally Numb

Emotional numbness can feel like watching life from behind a pane of glass. You go through the motions but feel disconnected. It’s not that you don’t care—it’s that everything feels muted.

Numbness is often a defense mechanism. It can result from prolonged stress, trauma, or burnout. When emotions feel too big or unsafe, the body sometimes protects us by turning them down.

The first step is to gently reconnect. Start with small check-ins: How am I feeling right now? What does my body need? Activities like journaling, walking outside, or even listening to music can begin to stir feeling.

Therapy provides a safe container to explore the roots of numbness and learn to tolerate emotions without being overwhelmed. It’s not about “snapping out of it”—it’s about moving toward wholeness with compassion.

Your feelings are still there. Let’s help you find your way back to them.