The phrase “dead inside” is popular across the internet.
But underneath the humor, what’s actually going on?
Why do I feel so empty inside?
The word “empty” may imply that this is just a feeling of nothingness.
However, it goes beyond just a lack of feeling.
That impact on your daily life is what mental health professionals are concerned about.
What causes feeling empty?
There are a few possible root causes for feelings of emptiness:
You just experienced trauma.
“A traumatic experience is an experience that threatens safety, sense of self, and causes lasting distress.
You use numbing or disconnection as coping mechanisms.
You’re experiencing burnout.
The feelings of emptiness can be a result of elevated negative emotions for a prolonged period of time.
You’re emotionally overwhelmed.
Without the proper tools to navigate complex emotions, it’s common for people topush their emotions aside.
You’re sleep-deprived.
This is whyself-care through sleep, especially during times of distress, is crucial to well-being.
When our bodies are depleted, they cannot help sustain us through navigating our lives.
You’re unhappy with where you are in life.
If you’re ruminating on just how unhappy you are, you might be driving yourself to feel empty.
(Here aresigns you may be unhappy, if you’re not sure.)
Unhappiness can cause you to feel unmotivated to care for yourself physically, mentally, or emotionally.
What it means when you feel empty inside.
Feelings of emptiness can impact how you move through your days.
“The first thing is to ask yourself, ‘Am I advocating for my needs and wants?'”
Feeling numb:
Feelings of numbness can result from overwhelm or trauma.
Tuazon adds, “Numb is a dulling of emotions.
Feeling tired:
Feeling tired can be just the physical feeling that you need more sleep.
Feeling tired can also be resulting from rumination.
This experience is known aspostcoital dysphoria, and it can present as feeling empty after sex.
Emptiness after crying:
Crying is an emotional outlet.
Letting yourself cry can be cathartic and a healing experience.
After a period offeeling emotional, you may experience a wave of nothing.
Is it depression?
Depression is a clinical diagnosis that requires a licensed professional to test for.
It’s important to note that depression isn’t just one thing.
It’s not just immense feelings of sadness or emptiness.
There are many factors that professionals consider before providing a final diagnosis.
“Feeling empty alone does not automatically mean it is depression,” says board-certified psychiatristPia Quimson-Guevarra, D.O.
How to stop feeling this way:
Examine your life.
“Do you need more connection?
Then try reaching out to loved ones or making new connections.
Are you feeling like all you do is work?
venture to add more time for rest and meaningful hobbies or activities.
Work on adding more moments of joy in your life.”
Get familiar with your emotions.
Knowing these signals can help you have a deeper understanding of your emotions.
Keep a journal.
Lean into action.
Getting your body, mind, and emotions moving forward is key to getting away from feeling empty.
Build structure around what brings you joy.
Practice mindfulness.
“One thing I would venture to avoid is consumption without any mindfulness,” Tuazon says.
Choosing anactivity that you might engage with mindfullyand with intention will help alleviate feeling empty.
Give yourself grace if healing doesn’t look perfect.
Springing into action may feel like a big jump while feeling empty.
So be kind to yourself.
When to seek help.
The good news is that you don’t have to keep moving forward alone.
Resources are available.Reaching out to a licensed professionalcan help get you past chronic feelings of emptiness.
A therapist can serve as your guide to get you unstuck and moving forward.
FAQ
What does it mean when you have an empty feeling inside?
Possible reasons for feeling empty are experiencing trauma, rumination on negative emotions, or feeling dissatisfied with life.
Is feeling empty common?
Feeling empty is common.
However, the severity and pervasiveness in your life are what you should probably look out for.
What can cause feelings of emptiness?
It’s best to work with a licensed professional for a diagnosis.
The takeaway.
However, there are certain contexts where this feeling may point to more serious problems than just feeling empty.
It may be connected to life dissatisfaction, trauma, depression, or a combination of things.
