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Sarah Mitchell โ€” Reviewed writer, former magazine editor
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How to Handle Make Yourself Emotionally Numb Step by Step

When make yourself emotionally numb leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

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1

Recognize that numbing yourself comes at a cost.

Recognize that numbing yourself comes at a cost.
Studies show that repressing negative emotions can deplete your psychological resources, making it more difficult for you to handle stress and make good decisions. This means that numbing yourself from emotional pain might hurt your resilience or even your ability to remember events. Only numb yourself if it is truly necessary.
  • Repressing negative emotions can deplete psychological resources.
  • Find ways to take control over situations that cause emotional pain.
  • Numbing yourself might hurt your resilience or ability to remember events.
  • Studies show that repressing negative emotions can deplete your psychological resources, making it more difficult for you to handle stress and make good decisions.
  • This means that numbing yourself from emotional pain might hurt your resilience or even your ability to remember events.
2

Avoid people

Avoid people
Identify people who trigger negative emotions. Set boundaries with toxic individuals. Social isolation can exacerbate emotional pain.
  • Identify people who trigger negative emotions.
  • Set boundaries with toxic individuals.
  • Social isolation can exacerbate emotional pain.
  • Identify people who trigger negative emotions.
  • Set boundaries with toxic individuals.
3

Take control over situations

Take control over situations
you dislike. Sometimes you have to be around people you dislike or perform tasks you hate. If you cannot avoid the things that cause you emotional pain, find ways to take control over them. Do not view yourself as a helpless victim: find as much agency as you can in the situation.
  • Find ways to make situations more manageable.
  • Prioritize self-care when dealing with difficult tasks.
  • Resistance is futile if you don't take action.
  • Sometimes you have to be around people you dislike or perform tasks you hate.
  • If you cannot avoid the things that cause you emotional pain, find ways to take control over them.
4

Distract yourself

Distract yourself
. When you feel your emotions getting in your way, stop what you are doing immediately and do something else instead. Try to do an activity that will require you to focus all of your mental and emotional attention on it. By distracting yourself, you will be able to process your emotions later, when you are more likely ".
  • Engage in activities that promote relaxation.
  • Use mindfulness techniques to stay present.
  • Distracting yourself can lead to avoidance if not done correctly.
  • When you feel your emotions getting in your way, stop what you are doing immediately and do something else instead.
  • Try to do an activity that will require you to focus all of your mental and emotional attention on it.

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References

  1. https://psychcentral.com/blog/controlling-emotions-is-it-possible
  2. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-at-any-age/201502/5-ways-to-get-your-unwanted-emotions-under-control
  3. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/ptsd-trauma/coping-with-emotional-and-psychological-trauma
  4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9290-depression
  5. https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-get-through-hard-times
  6. https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/how-can-i-distract-myself/
  7. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rewired-the-psychology-of-technology/201105/the-amazing-power-of-tech-breaks
  8. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_reasons_to_take_a_break_from_screens
  9. https://hbr.org/2013/11/emotional-agility
  10. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201506/7-characteristics-of-emotionally-strong-people
  11. https://positivepsychology.com/5-ways-develop-grit-resilience/
  12. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-personal-renaissance/201906/why-talking-about-our-problems-makes-us-feel-better
  13. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20045434
  14. https://www.apa.org/topics/anger/control
  15. https://psychcentral.com/blog/ready-set-journal-64-journaling-prompts-for-self-discovery
  16. https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/
  17. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
  18. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing
  19. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response
  20. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7050-aerobic-exercise
  21. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3909-alcoholism
  22. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side
  23. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience
  24. https://positivepsychology.com/resilience-skills/
  25. https://adaa.org/tips
  26. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/anxiety-tips.html
  27. https://psychcentral.com/depression/i-feel-nothing-emotional-numbness

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