Experiencing emptiness can be troubling. You might feel as though you’re going through life on cruise control, feeling numb and detached from your environment. Alternatively, you might find that activities that once brought you joy no longer excite you. Regardless of the underlying reason, it’s important to acknowledge that these emotions are quite common, and it’s possible to overcome them.
Feeling empty inside can make you feel like nothing matters. You might feel like there’s nothing that connects you to other people and the world around you any more. At times, you might feel like you hardly exist.
This sensation of emptiness in your life could persist for just a few days or weeks during challenging periods. However, some individuals endure feelings of emptiness that continue for months or even years. If you’re feeling empty inside, you may not understand why you feel this way. You may wonder if feelings of emptiness mean that you’re depressed.
Although feeling empty inside can be a symptom of depression, it is not the sole cause. In this article, we’ll explore various reasons you may experience emptiness in your life and discuss ways to improve your well-being.
Why You Feel Empty Inside
Colleagues I have talked to regarding their feelings of emptiness have shared that they feel lifeless even while alive, they sense a lack of something that others seem to possess, perceive an empty space where their heart ought to be, find themselves anticipating the start of life, struggle to identify a purpose for living, and feel disconnected from the world, along with other striking illustrations of their experience.
Loneliness
Feeling empty can sometimes manifest as a sense of loneliness, confusion about your life and goals, or lack of motivation to pursue anything in life. Everyone might feel this void in their heart from time to time.
The experience could have many causes, including shifting hormonal levels, losing a job, or the required physical distancing that comes with a pandemic. Any life stage or situation that may require you to reflect on yourself and your life might also lead to a temporary feeling of emptiness.
An impact on mental health
Although not in every case, feeling empty could also signify some mental health conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Only a mental health professional can diagnose your condition accurately.
Lack of self-awareness
It’s quite common for individuals to disconnect from their true selves occasionally. A deficiency in self-awareness can result in that persistent feeling of emptiness. Many refer to this as “living without a purpose.” It suggests that you might lack clarity regarding who you are or who you aspire to be. Furthermore, the absence of clear goals or aspirations may contribute to feelings of emptiness.
Pressures from life or unresolved trauma
Disconnection from oneself can arise from a variety of situations, such as an all encompassing relationship or a high-pressure job. At times, feelings of sadness may stem from a prolonged grieving process that remains unaddressed. This could include unresolved childhood traumas or a lingering sense of abandonment by a family member.
When we avoid discussing or examining long-held emotions, they can surface in unexpected ways. Although it may be daunting and uncomfortable, reflecting on and discussing significant past-experiences that have brought you sorrow can aid in processing those feelings. If these events weigh heavily on you, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from a mental health professional to navigate the healing process.
How to Break Free from Emotional Emptiness
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest running studies on adult life, has revealed that nurturing strong and meaningful relationships is the most crucial element of the human experience. This indicates that the focus should be on the quality of relationships rather than the quantity, and here’s how to achieve that:
Seek better relationships while improving on your communication habits
Emotional intimacy, support, active listening, and company are all important. When these are missing in your life, it could lead to feelings of emptiness and loneliness. Be honest with yourself and others, as it helps build deeper relationships. Remember, being honest and vulnerable are not a sign of weakness.
It’s okay to seek help and support from others
It’s natural to feel concerned if you’ve noticed a change in yourself. Recognizing this feeling and addressing it is the first step toward feeling better. If you’re feeling empty, seeing a mental health professional can help.
A therapist could help you work through your feelings, uncover the cause of the numbness, and address it in a way that works best for you. Finding ways to stop feeling empty may depend on what’s causing it.
For example, if you feel numb after trauma, you might need to process this particular event. If you’ve felt empty for a long time, psychotherapy can help you unveil some of the reasons that led you here. Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weaknesses, which is often driven by societal stigma and misinformation.
Self-care is important for your well-being
If you’re feeling a sense of emptiness due to a temporary situation, such as navigating a particularly demanding work period that is about to end, focusing on self-care during this tough time may be helpful.
Engaging in activities that promote your well-being and seeking support from others can assist you in coping until things settle down. Once the challenge has passed, it’s likely that you’ll regain your sense of self as life returns to normal.
Seek professional help
On the other hand, if your feelings of emptiness aren’t linked to a specific event, or if the sense of void in your life persists or worsens, it’s important to consider reaching out to a professional for support.
You may want to start by speaking with your doctor, who can suggest treatments or refer you to a mental health professional to discuss your feelings and identify the support you need.
Keep in mind that seeking help doesn’t mean you can’t cope with life or that you’re weak. It can be challenging to be honest with yourself and others about your emotions, but that vulnerability is a powerful strength.
Don’t ignore the feeling
Recognizing your feelings of emptiness is an important first step, so well done if you’ve reached that point. The next step is to explore what might be causing these feelings. If you are experiencing distress or if these feelings are persistent, recurring, and complex, therapists are available both online and in person to provide support.
Lastly, remember that you are honouring your feelings and taking affirmative steps toward improving your well-being.
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