Trouble with emotions and empathy

[camelopardalus]

I have trouble with emotions, especially ones that portray empathy. Now this doesn't happen all of the time but it does happen a lot.

Someone (like my GF) will be telling about her problems and I can't connect with her at all. As in, I can't even fake being interested in what she's saying. I mostly end up saying things like "yeah," or "that sucks" and then nod and struggle to pretend to feel anything about it.

It's not just with her, it's with everyone, even on tv. I haven't been able to feel anything towards what's happening. I used to be able to at least pretend, put on a frown or fake a smile. Now I just struggle to even recognize what I would be feeling if I was "normal".

I don't know.... I need some help. I don't even know what this would be categorized as or if maybe I'm just broken....

 

TRIGGER:

I often have to go hurt myself in some way just so I can feel something. It normally forces me out of what ever this is and lets me do some sort of facial expression.

[Southern Discomfort]

I think it's reasonable to think that when you're struggling with depression you have a harder time trying to make time for other people. Depression does tend to suck out all the energy to these things.

[camelopardalus]

I think it's reasonable to think that when you're struggling with depression you have a harder time trying to make time for other people. Depression does tend to suck out all the energy to these things.

Is there anyway to cope with it or I guess get through that block?

[Southern Discomfort]

Well that's the million dollar question, isn't it? I can't provide a solution that I know will work, after all, depression is different for each person afflicted with it. Having said that some of the things I would try would first be talking about this to someone, maybe your girlfriend - but you'd have to word it correctly so you don't end up hurting her feelings, telling her you actually don't care about what she has to say. Talking about these things can be a great medicine for coping. 

You might also try to do something about what is causing the depression if you know what that is. For example for me at the moment I can't work all that much because anxiety gets in the way amongst other things so I'm often left feeling bored and a waste of space so I've been able to help around the house, doing chores for other people, and that's really helped lifting my mood.

[melissaw72]

I get this way when i am extremely depressed.  When I am like this that is a clue that I must be really depressed (I might not realize the depression at first).  I have absolutely no emotion and could care less about others.  There could be a huge car accident, and instead of thinking about the people and how they are, I think how the traffic will be backed up (PITA) and how the accident was a nuisance.

Idk what to say to help ... for me it is just a matter of time before it passes.  I wait it out.

Edited September 2, 2015 by melissaw72

[crtclms]

Blunted emotions are a part of depressive illness. I would tell your girlfriend that the depression is making you feel detached from everything, and it is a symptom, and has nothing to do with her.

P.S. I love your user name.