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Why You Feel Numb And Why It Makes So Much Sense

Updated: Jul 21


Hi, I’m Nada, a Trauma-Informed Therapist at NJCCS.


If you’ve ever felt emotionally shut down, disconnected, or like you're just “going through the motions,” I want you to know this:


You’re not cold. You’re not broken. And you’re not alone.


That numb feeling you can’t explain? It’s not laziness or a lack of caring it’s a very real trauma response. And it makes more sense than you might think.

What Emotional Numbness Feels Like


Emotional numbness can show up in quiet, everyday ways.


You might notice:


  • Feeling empty, flat, or detached from yourself

  • Going through your day like you’re on autopilot

  • Having a hard time connecting with loved ones

  • Feeling like you're watching your life from a distance

  • Struggling to cry, laugh, or feel anything deeply


You might even feel frustrated with yourself for not reacting “normally.”


But emotional numbness isn't a sign that you don’t care it’s a sign that your system is still trying to protect you (Newport Institute, n.d.).

Why Emotional Numbness Happens


When your body and mind go through trauma, stress, or emotional overload, they find ways to help you survive it. One of those ways is shutting off certain feelings so you don’t become overwhelmed.


According to Newport Institute (n.d.), emotional numbness often develops when your nervous system gets stuck in freeze mode which is a state that disconnects you from emotions to keep you safe. This might happen after trauma, grief, burnout, anxiety, or depression.


Healthline adds that numbness can also stem from long-term emotional suppression when you’ve learned (often for survival) to hide or push down feelings that were once “too much” (Gotter & Silva, 2024).


So if you’ve been feeling emotionally flat or disconnected, it’s not because something’s wrong with you. It’s because your nervous system is doing what it learned to do to protect you.

🌱 Can You Heal If You Feel Numb?


Yes. Even if you feel nothing right now, healing is still possible and already beginning.


According to the Newport Institute (n.d.), reconnecting with your emotions starts with small, intentional steps like grounding yourself in your senses, gently naming what’s happening, and reaching out for support.


Here are a few soft ways to start:


  • Say it out loud. Even just “I feel numb” is a form of self-awareness.

  • Use sensory grounding. Touch something soft, breathe in a calming scent, or listen to music.

  • Let feelings in gradually. Watching an emotional movie or journaling can help open the door without pressure.

  • Don’t wait until you “feel ready.” Support is still helpful even if you feel disconnected. Showing up is enough.

A Final Word From Me to You


If you’re feeling numb right now, I want to remind you:


You are not failing. You’re adapting. And you don’t have to do this alone.


At NJCCS, I offer trauma-informed counselling that meets you exactly where you are whether you're overwhelmed, shut down, or just tired of pretending to feel okay.


There’s no pressure to “fix” yourself only space to begin understanding what your body’s been trying to say.


Let’s take that step gently, together.


📧 Contact me at info@nadajohnsonservices.com if this blog spoke to you.


Warm Regards,


 

Nada Johnson, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist / trained Family Mediator / EMDR Trained Therapist / Certified Racial Trauma Clinician / Mental Health & Sexual Violence Consultant / Professional Speaker



Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services - Online phone and video sessions available

Village Healing Centre: 240 Roncesvalles Avenue

C: 437-887-6146


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📚 References

Gotter, A., & Silva, S. (2024, February 5). Feeling emotionally numb? Causes and what you can do. Healthline. Medically reviewed by B. Juby, PsyD. https://www.healthline.com/health/feeling-numb

Newport Institute. (n.d.). Feeling emotionally numb: What it means and how to cope. https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/mental-health/feeling-emotionally-numb/

PsychCentral. (2022, September 2). What are trauma triggers? https://psychcentral.com/health/trauma-triggers

PTSD UK. (n.d.). Understanding PTSD, flashbacks, and triggers. https://www.ptsduk.org/what-is-ptsd/understanding-ptsd-flashbacks-and-triggers/


Want More Support for Your Professional & Personal Growth?

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In addition to counseling, NJCCS offers coaching through our sister brand, Potential Unlocked™, designed specifically for professional women navigating career, leadership, and life transitions.


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