In this article, I explore different degrees of chronic emptiness including causes, symptoms, and possible treatment.
It is normal to feel empty on occasion. Actions or words that appear to spark animated responses in those around us don’t always fill us with strong emotions. Sometimes we find ourselves unable to answer simple questions not just because we don’t know what we want, but because we don’t care either way. However, things can get serious when these feelings of emptiness start to pervade one’s life. An inability to enjoy activities that once derived pleasure is a hallmark of depression. Likewise, other mental health issues are linked to chronic feelings of emptiness. To learn how to obtain pleasure from life, it’s necessary to understand one’s feelings of emptiness.
Why Can’t I Feel Pleasure?
Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure in activities that typically derive joy. The DSM-5 links anhedonia to depressive disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and substance-related disorders. Anhedonia can cause satisfaction to be reduced or completely diminished. Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a long-term form of depression. It can lead to a loss of interest in normal activities, lack of productivity, chronic hopelessness, and a devalued self-image. Individuals who can relate to either of these conditions likely experience other side effects. These include the inability to construct a future, low energy levels, irritability, sleep disturbances, appetite issues, inappropriate feelings of guilt, and avoidance of social activities.
Individuals can also feel empty if they experience dissociation. Dissociation is a disruption in how the mind deals with information. It can cause people to feel a disconnect between their mind and body. Dissociative episodes can alter one’s identity and sense of time and create a separation between thoughts, memories, feelings, and physical surroundings. Dissociation is often a result of trauma, as it is the mind’s way of coping with otherwise unbearable negative emotions. Dissociation can lead to a disconnect from the world that leaves people feeling numb and removed from both themselves and others. In addition to being linked to trauma, dissociation is related to PTSD, BPD, acute stress disorder, affective disorders, OCD, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.
People who experience chronic feelings of emptiness are likely dealing with a mental health issue. Mental health problems are considerably common. In fact, most people will experience them in a lifetime. Different mental health issues are linked to various causes, with the origin of many problems being unknown. Mental health issues often arise due to a mixture of genetics, environmental factors, chemical imbalances, and exposure to traumatic events and stressors. Often a combination of sources contributes to an individual’s likelihood to develop a mental health disorder. Though much progress is being made to break down mental health stigmas, dealing with a mental health issue can often make people feel isolated. However, just because you feel empty and alone now doesn’t mean you won’t experience pleasure and happiness again.
How Can I Feel Better?
Just as there is no set cause for mental disorders, there is no singular solution. However, there is a mixture of methods that can provide significant help. A combination of behavioral treatments, therapies, and medication can often help people regain a sense of joy. The key is rewiring the way the brain reacts to different responses. While this can involve chemicals, it can also be achieved through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or a combination of therapy and medication. Often, people need to understand why they feel the way they do about certain things and why they respond. Uncovering the root of unhealthy habits and behaviors is necessary for replacing past coping mechanisms with new responses. However, not all elements of the past need to be examined.
People who are exposed to trauma or have mental health disorders have dealt with a considerable amount of pain. Sometimes, the mind fractures itself to cope with stress and trauma. Though this defense mechanism can help us get through difficult times, it can also cause detachment to form and personal identities to be disrupted. However, we can change the way our minds work to develop new ways to react to stressors and triggers. Doing so can allow individuals to be present in their lives and not disconnect from themselves and those around them. At the same time, it’s important to remember that everyone deals with recovery differently. What might help one person find joy may not work for everyone.
One of the most important components to seek is hope. When people suffer from depression and other mood disorders, they often are filled with a chronic sense of hopelessness. An inability to see a way out often fills people with ever-pending dread. However, there is a way out. Chronic emptiness may feel like it will last forever, but just as you felt joy before, you will feel it again. Don’t compare yourself to other people or your past self. Set a doable checklist for yourself every morning to challenge yourself to accomplish even seemingly simple tasks. Force yourself to eat healthily, clean your apartment, go on a small walk, or complete other daily tasks. Even if you don’t see the point in trying today, there is a good chance that you will someday .
It’s true that we only have one life, so we minus as well live it. However, people who haven’t dealt with depression, emptiness, and chronic hopelessness don’t understand that these are not things one can just shake off. Anhedonia and dysthymia can sap the joy out of the world to such a degree that no amount of smiling and hugs can fix it. Your feelings and your experiences are validated. But remember, we only guarantee permanent hopelessness by giving up. For those who know someone who is dealing with chronic emptiness, unfortunately, we cannot change other people. What we can do is listen to those around us and let others know that we hear them and support them. Sometimes it’s enough for people to know that they are heard and not alone.
RELEVANT RESOURCES
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Healthline: Mental Health Resources
National Institute of Mental Health: Help for Mental Illnesses
Mental Health First Aid: Mental Health Resources (United States)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (United States)