Embracing Reality: A Guide to Overcoming Numbness and Depression
Have you ever felt like a robot, your mind feeling empty and numb, and your actions feeling automatic? Objects look distant or not real, and you're not sure if this is an enhanced version of a dream or the real world. This feeling can be overwhelming, making it seem easier to lock yourself or your mind in a dream-state. Here's a comprehensive guide to helping you understand and overcome such feelings.
Understanding the Sources of Numbness
Our brain has two primary aspects: one that judges the nuances of living experiences and another that reasons about them. The latter is often the part that deals with rational thoughts and concerns about the nature of our experiences. However, it's the former that keeps us safe. Trust your instincts.
Feeling like you're in a dream or avoiding reality can be a response to fears of facing life's challenges. You might feel comfortable in a dream-like state because it provides a sense of safety and comfort. In this state, you avoid the pain of life, but it doesn't have to stay this way.
Recognizing and Addressing Depression
Feeling numb is a common symptom of depression. It's your body's way of protecting you from the pain of life. However, you can still find a way to regain a sense of certainty and purpose. Depression can be a long-term condition, but with the proper treatment, it is manageable.
Consider the following: If depression could be managed, how would it change your life? What would you lose if you don't act, and what could you gain by taking action? These questions can provide a foundation for deciding to move forward. My own journey with depression showed that it is possible to regain control. With a system in place, you can regain control too.
Steps to Overcoming Numbness and Depression
First, recognize that your feelings are normal. Supplement your diet with essential nutrients and ensure proper fluid intake. Lifestyle changes, such as spending more time in open air for higher oxygen absorption, can also help. Consider using technology, like a smartwatch, to monitor your data and feel more connected to reality.
Consult a primary care physician to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing changes in your thinking and feeling patterns. Additionally, seek the guidance of a talk therapist to address your emotional and psychological needs.
It's possible that childhood experiences, particularly traumatic ones, may have contributed to feelings of numbness and disconnection. Learning to ground yourself can be a beneficial step. Practice being present by paying attention to your surroundings—notice the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells around you. Engage in activities like walking barefoot on grass or the beach to connect more deeply with the earth.
Further Reading and Support
If you're interested in learning more about trauma and its effects, consider reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der Kolk MD, or watching videos of his work on YouTube. His work delves into the latest treatments and research, which can be incredibly enlightening.
Therapy is an essential step in overcoming numbness and depression. It can help you work through emotional and psychological challenges, and provide you with the tools to move forward. Don't hesitate to reach out to professionals for guidance and support.
Remember, you are not alone. With the right strategies, you can overcome feelings of numbness and depression and regain a sense of purpose and connection in your life.