Join Kirk and Friends TONIGHT for "Emotionally Numb" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
10 hours ago
3 min read

Come join Volunteer, Peer Support Specialist Kirk Poe for "Awaken Your Inner Healer!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).

We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support Victory for Veterans provides via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.

TONIGHT's Topic: "Emotionally Numb"

Join Kirk and Friends, TONIGHT and let's get together online for the Warriors for Life (WFL) as we talk about "Emotionally Numb!"!

Being "emotionally numb" (often referred to as emotional blunting or "feeling nothing") in the context of mental health means experiencing a significant reduction in your ability to feel or express emotions, both positive and negative. It is a state of disconnection, often described as feeling "flat," "hollow," "dead inside," or "on autopilot".

This state acts as an unconscious, protective mechanism used by the brain to shield you from overwhelming stress, trauma, or intense emotional pain.

What Emotional Numbness Feels Like

A "Flat" or "Muted" Experience: Things that once brought you joy (hobbies, social activities) feel boring or meaningless (anhedonia).
Reduced Emotional Range: An inability to feel deep sadness, joy, fear, or excitement.
Feeling Detached: A sense of being separated from yourself or your surroundings, often feeling like you are observing your life from a distance (a form of dissociation).
"Autopilot" Mode: Going through the motions of daily life without emotional engagement.
Inability to Care: A lack of concern or feeling unaffected by situations that should, logically, cause a reaction.

Key Causes in Mental Health

Emotional numbness is not a diagnosis itself, but a symptom of several underlying conditions and circumstances:

Trauma/PTSD: The brain shuts down emotions to protect you from overwhelming, painful, or distressing memories.
Depression: A common symptom of major depressive disorder, characterized by a dulling of emotions and feelings of emptiness.
Chronic Stress/Burnout: High cortisol levels from prolonged stress can lead to "cortisol insensitivity," causing a feeling of being worn out and numb.
Medication Side Effects: SSRIs and SNRIs (antidepressants) can cause emotional blunting as a side effect.
Substance Misuse: Using substances to drown out pain can lead to a long-term inability to feel pleasure.

Key Differences in Experience

Numbness vs. Sadness: While depression is often associated with intense sadness, emotional numbness is the opposite—the inability to feel sad.
Numbness vs. Calm: Numbness feels heavy, empty, and disconnected, whereas calmness is a peaceful, connected state.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term: It can be a temporary, normal response to shock (grief), but if it persists, it may signal a deeper, chronic issue.

Consequences of Continued Numbness

Social Isolation: Difficulty forming or maintaining emotional connections with family and friends.
Risky Behavior: Some people may self-harm or engage in dangerous behaviors in an attempt to "feel something".
Impaired Recovery: By not processing emotions, it becomes difficult to heal from the trauma or mental health condition that triggered the numbness.

How to Reconnect

Seek Professional Support: A therapist can help address the root cause of the numbness.
Somatic Exercises: Activities that reconnect you with your body, such as yoga, walking, or shaking your arms to "wake up" sensations.
Mindfulness: Practicing being present to gently re-engage with your emotions.
Adjusting Medication: If caused by medication, a psychiatrist can help adjust the dosage or change the medication.

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Awaken Your Inner Healer!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) - Monday (TONIGHT), January 19, 2026 @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86121340012

Thank you,

Kirk Poe, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Reiki Master, Certified Body/Emotion/Belief Code Practitioner, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)