How do I stop feeling empty?

I don't know how else to explain it. All I can say is that I feel empty, I feel nothing. How do I stop feeling this way?

Dr Traci Kochendorfer
Dr Traci Kochendorfer
Time for you to " Claim IT" with over 15 years in health and wellness, Ph.D Psy.D D.D. F.P.L.C. recognized on TV and Magazines,

Why do I feel empty?

Feelings of emptiness—a lack of meaning or purpose—are experienced by most people at some point in life. However, chronic feelings of emptiness, feelings of emotional numbness or despair, and similar experiences may be symptomatic of other mental health concerns, such as depression, anhedonia, or schizophrenia
LIke I say seek to get a check up physically and mentally to see if there are any medical under lining issues.
The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Dr. Meredyth Lawrynce
Dr. Meredyth Lawrynce
Serving Clients Nationwide

The feeling empty could stem from various factors. Perhaps asking yourself what would helps you feel full, what fills your cup, what does that mean to you for you? When were you last feeling fulfilled?   What brings or has brought you joy? Have you read about, or researched what is called Dysphoria.

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Audrey ONeal
Audrey ONeal
Bi-lingual Psychotherapist and HeartMath Certified Practitioner

A feeling of emptiness can cause depleting emotions to emerge. It would be important to identify the sources of emptiness.You may want to try to tap into more regenerating emotions. For example, you might want to think about what brings you joy or situations in which you experienced gratitude. Practicing mindful breathing can also help you take your attention away from distressing feelings.

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Kaileen McMickle, MS, LPC
Kaileen McMickle, MS, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
I'm going to start by saying that you are definitely feeling something otherwise you wouldn't want to escape or change these feelings of emptiness and nothingness.  That's definitely a good thing--it means you care about how you function and want a more meaningful life.

What do you think once filled that emptiness that feels gone now?  Was it people?  Do you feel you've lost interest in things you once enjoyed?  Or do you feel overall numb that seems to have come out of nowhere?  Sometimes our bodies abandon emotion in order to save energy when we feel overly stressed or depressed--it's a self-preservation mechanism.  It could be interesting to explore what used to give you a feeling of "fullness" and/or let you feel a range of emotions.  That could mean engaging in things that once gave you joy, or even watching a movie that once made you cry--just a few ways to reconnect with your emotional side.

Bottom line is you are concerned enough to ask this question so there's surely emotions happening under the radar.  Working through this can be a process, so make sure you allow yourself to go at a realistic pace.


The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Kelly Mulroy, LMHC, NCC, DCC
Kelly Mulroy, LMHC, NCC, DCC
Clinical Hypnosis and Psychotherapy

A feeling of emptiness can be from a lack of awareness and acknowledgment for the things, the people, the places that you have in your life. The use of affirmation and gratitudes helps to remind ourselves of all of the aspects of our lives.

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Sherry Katz, LCSW
Sherry Katz, LCSW
Couples and Family Therapist, LCSW

Your question is very broad because feeling empty can develop for many different reasons.

You're certainly not alone in feeling this way!

Try to follow the logic of your feelings by asking yourself questions about the empty feeling.   Doing this may open up a discovery about the reason for the emptiness feeling.

When do you feel empty, are there certain situations it happens more often than another, what helps the feeling go away, what or who is helpful in relieving the empty feeling.

Sometimes people need a little help to get started in understanding how to recognize their feelings.

Consider a therapist, any disciplined practice which encourages self-knowledge, such as some yoga practices, and a creative discipline like photography or music. 

As long as you concentrate on increasing your self-understanding, eventually you'll find the answer to your question!

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

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