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Why might I feel emotionally disconnected? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: Why might I feel emotionally disconnected?
• 0:04
  SPEAKER_00: Emotional disconnection is when you feel separated or distant from your emotions, other people or sometimes even yourself.
• 0:14
  SPEAKER_00: You may know what you should be feeling but you don't actually feel it strongly, or you may feel very little at all.
• 0:23
  SPEAKER_00: You may experience feeling numb, flat or empty, finding it difficult to identify your feelings, feeling distant from friends, family or a partner, not getting excited about things you normally enjoy, finding it difficult to cry even when you're upset.
• 0:45
  SPEAKER_00: Emotional disconnection can sometimes be a protective response.
• 0:50
  SPEAKER_00: If you've experienced prolonged stress, grief, overwhelm, disappointment or difficult experiences, your mind may distance you from strong emotions because they feel too much to process.
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  SPEAKER_00: It doesn't necessarily mean you don't care.
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  SPEAKER_00: Sometimes disconnection is your nervous system's way of coping when you've had too much to hold emotionally.
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  SPEAKER_00: It could also be your mind's way of giving you some protection or breathing space.
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  SPEAKER_00: A helpful question to gently explore is what might I be feeling underneath the numbness?
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  SPEAKER_00: And what do I need right now?
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  SPEAKER_00: You can also try gently reconnecting rather than forcing yourself to feel.
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  SPEAKER_00: So notice your body.
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  SPEAKER_00: Notice what sensations you feel right now.
• 1:47
  SPEAKER_00: Name what is present, even numb, tired, or even blank is an emotion, so it's worth noting.
• 1:57
  SPEAKER_00: Slowing down, being still, intentional breathing, walking, listening to music or journaling can help you reconnect gradually.
• 2:08
  SPEAKER_00: Be curious rather than critical.
• 2:13
  SPEAKER_00: Instead of saying what's wrong with me, try saying what might I be protecting myself from.
• 2:21
  SPEAKER_00: If you are thinking of harming yourself or feel unsafe, please call your local emergency number or crisis line.