Do you feel numb?

I hear the term ‘numb’ a lot these days in my learning. I also see people very much numbed out or numbing out, as it seems. There are various reasons why people end up numb. It begins as a coping mechanism of protection and weeks, months or years later we have forgotten how to feel.

Ways we numb can be (in excess of) alcohol, sleep, video games, Netflix, shopping, procrastination, drugs etc. Pick your poison.

We were born with fierce strength. It’s amazing to me what some people have endured. We all use this strength to push forward as we do. Life must go on…we know this.

But in de-sensitizing ourselves in order to cope, we can keep ourselves locked away and hardened by the hurts of our past. And you may not even consciously realize you are numb or why for that matter. I’ve recently learned science is showing we can have up to 9 generations of DNA stored in our bodies. Crazy hey? Talk about not our fault!

Reasons you might feel numb range from: anxiety, grief, depression, medications, abuse (mental/emotional), overwhelming stress, PTSD, substance abuse).

While numbing may protect you from negative feelings and experiences, it also shuts down the ability to fully enjoy positive experiences and true intimacy.

When I looked up the definition, it said ‘a state of being in which you are not feeling or expressing emotions.’ I thought oh heck, we are all numb!! (at times of course).

Try to free yourself a little by thinking about how you feel. Become aware of it. Ask yourself what these emotions are trying to tell you. Stay open and away from blaming. Your journey is unique. You are allowed to feel whatever it is you are feeling.

Next, is to talk about these emotions to a trusted and skilled friend, therapist or coach. Bit by bit it will become easier to let your truth out and heal some old hurts. You just have to be willing.

All my love,

Kristi Hiller 💕
Life Coach & Mentor