I was trying to explain this feeling to my counselor yesterday, and I'm not sure if she could really understand what I meant. I'm hoping that somebody here has experienced it or at least knows what I mean. I was trying to explain to her how I don't really feel like I "feel" my emotions. For example, I might know that I'm sad or should be sad, but I don't really feel like I "feel" it. I just don't feel connected to my emotions. It sounds so contradictory to say that you are sad but yet you really don't feel it. I generally can't cry or express emotions like that either. It's so frustrating to feel "numb" all the time. It makes me feel inhuman at times. The worst part is I know that they are there, but I just don't feel like I'm really experiencing them. Does anybody else ever have this happen or know how to stop it?? I often drink to relieve this feeling, but that's obviously probably not the best solution. So I really don't know what else to do.

Also, do you think this is anxiety related?? She said that people with high anxiety levels often can't feel anything else... so maybe that's right...??

Please check out the posts about depersonalization, and derealization. You are experiencing a VERY common symptom of anxiety disorder or it could even be a side affect of mood altering drug. Goodluck, and you're not alone!

P.S.If you continue to feel like this on a daily basis, and excercise and lessening of sugar/caffeine doesn't work for you, you might want to talk with your doctor about anxiety/depression medications.
:angel:

For me, Zoloft has really helped to relieve this feeling, but the initial side affects are not fun, and it takes a while for you to get to the correct dosage. It took me about 2 months to get back to "normal" but it's worth it, I feel better than I have been in a year.

Also, do you think this is anxiety related?? She said that people with high anxiety levels often can't feel anything else... so maybe that's right...??

I'm not sure. When my anxiety was very high, I was extremely emotional. I cried a lot about the littlest things, and I would have outbursts. It was very embarrassing. Actually taking Prozac kind of made me feel numb like the way you're describing yourself now.

I've heard that feeling numb could be a symptom of depression.

I feel the exact same way! I was wondering myself, if it was normal to feel like this.
I always "know" I am sad, upset, angry, etc, but it's hard to feel my emotions. It's like I just go through the movements of every day life, but never actually experience any real emotions, even though I know that the emotion is lingering. I hate it, because I feel so heartless/emotionless. Like, when everybody laughs at something, I never can laugh because I don't find it funny(and this is not just certain things..it's usually everything). They ask me what's wrong and nothing is usually 'wrong"..I just don't feel any emotion towards things. I don't remember what feeling happy is like. :(