When you put your head on the pillow have you ever felt like there is something missing in your inside like a empty spot you don’t know how to fill?
Everything start like that we don’t know exact cause but we know how does it felt. I wish, I could provide you certain answer to ged rid of this feeling but that is not possible but let me give you some light on your journey to understand your own feeling and how to cope it.
Depression feels like drowning while you see everyone else swim.
-A very wise man
What is Feeling Empty Inside?
Feeling empty inside can be linked to certain events in your life that are only tepmporary. However, a feeling of emptiness that does not get better could be linked to a mental or even a physical health condition.
Sadness: You can feel like your heart is always heavy.
Loneliness: You can feel like there's no one truly around you.
Loss: You can feel like something important is forever gone.
Hopelessness: You can feel like there's no future to look forward to.
Emotional numbness: You can feel like you're just going through the motions.
Despair: You can feel like you're sinking without a way to climb back.
Anguish: You can feel like there's a constant ache in your soul.
Mourning: You can feel like the sadness will never leave.
Depression: You can feel like a dark cloud is always over you.
Dysthymia (a long-term form of depression): You can feel like a subtle shadow dims everything consistently.
Anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure): You can feel like nothing brings joy or excitement anymore.
Isolation: You can feel like nothing connects you with others.
Lose of Meaning: You can feel like your existence doesn’t matter.
Emptiness: You can feel like a hollow shell.
Those feelings last for months or even years. In this article we will look some causes and what can you do to feel better.
Why Do I Feel Empty Inside?
Feeling empty often arises when we try to fill a deep void with temporary pleasures or external achievements, which ultimately leave us feeling unfulfilled. This cycle can lead to frustration and a sense of failure, as these finite resources are unable to satisfy what seems like an infinite longing.
True fulfillment might require aligning our actions with our deeper values and possibly embracing a spiritual or meaningful connection that transcends our immediate desires and achievements. Such a connection, being infinite, may be the only thing capable of truly satisfying our deepest needs.
1. Your Relationships Aren't Fulfilling
You may feel emptiness because you "spend time with people you don't even like" or engage in "uninteresting conversations where you just nod along and pretend to act interested." This lack of meaningful interaction can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and emptiness.
2. You Struggle with Overdependence
If you find yourself "overly dependent, needy, and clinging to those around you," it might be a sign that you're trying to fill an internal void through relationships, leading to a persistent feeling of emptiness
3. You Are Perpetually Bored
When you often think, "I am going out of my mind with boredom," and feel that your days are "uninteresting and unengaging," it suggests that you're experiencing a deep emptiness stemming from a lack of meaningful engagement in your life.
4. You Feel Emotionally Numb
A common experience of emptiness is when "you have trouble feeling anything at all," replacing emotions like joy, sadness, or excitement with apathy and emotional detachment.
5. You Feel Alone and Isolated
Despite being around people, if you "feel alone and isolated from everyone else," this isolation can deepen the sense of emptiness. This feeling often leads to withdrawing from social interactions and experiencing profound loneliness.
6. You've Lost Touch with Yourself
Feeling that you've "lost touch with yourself" indicates that you're living out of alignment with your true desires and purposes, contributing to a feeling of emptiness. Reconnecting with your inner self is essential to overcoming this.
7. You Have What You Want and You're Still Not Happy
When you achieve your goals but still feel disheartened and empty, it might be because these accomplishments are not truly fulfilling. This sign indicates that the things you've attained were perhaps influenced by external expectations rather than your own desires.
Mental Health Disorders Associated With Emptiness
Emptiness is a feeling that can be associated with various mental health conditions. It is recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a potential symptom of bipolar disorder, and research has explored its connection to this condition. However, people without bipolar disorder can also experience feelings of emptiness.
Other mental health issues that may include feelings of emptiness are:
Major depressive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder
Additionally, individuals who feel empty may have difficulties managing their use of substances such as alcohol, medications, or drugs. These substances are often used as a way to cope with emotional distress. It's important to note that feelings of emptiness can occur on their own, even in those who do not have a diagnosed mental health disorder.
How to Deal with Feeling Empty Inside?
Feeling empty inside can be a challenging experience, often accompanied by a sense of numbness and disconnection from the world. To effectively address this feeling, it's essential to adopt a multifaceted approach that involves recognizing your emotions, understanding their roots, and actively working towards emotional well-being.
1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Emotions
"Acknowledge it and accept it." Recognize your feelings of emptiness and allow yourself to feel them, even if they are dulled or hard to reach.
2. Let Go of Shame and Blame
As advised, eliminate self-blame and shame, understanding that "your numbness grew out of a place of pain and tenderness, and was nothing but a desperate attempt to survive."
3. Identify the Root Cause
Take time to delve into the "root cause of your feelings of emptiness." Whether it's fatigue, loneliness, or recent hardships, identifying these triggers is crucial for moving forward.
4. Notice and Appreciate What You Have
Make an effort to "notice and appreciate what you have." Reflect on the positives in your life, such as supportive relationships or personal achievements, and consider writing them down to visually acknowledge them.
5. Create and Follow a Healthy Routine
Develop a "realistic balanced routine" that includes physical activity, rest, hydration, and nutritious meals. Use planners or reminders to help organize and follow through with your daily activities.
6. Practice Mindfulness
Embrace mindfulness to "pay close attention and make a careful observation of your thoughts." This practice helps manage thoughts that drift to the past or future, focusing instead on the present.
7. Try to Learn Something New
"Learning new skills" can improve your brain's function and provide a productive outlet for your energy. Consider engaging in new hobbies that can refresh and energize your mind.
8. Reach Out for External Help
If handling it on your own becomes too difficult, "reach out to someone to aid you through your recovery." Whether it’s a professional or a trusted person in your life, external support can be crucial.
When to See a Doctor?
If feelings of emptiness don't go away, it might be time to ask for help. If these feelings start to affect your daily life, like causing problems in relationships or at work, it's a good idea to seek professional help.
A mental health professional can evaluate your situation to figure out the right treatment and provide support for your feelings of emptiness. Since these feelings often come with other emotional issues, it's crucial to address them quickly. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or others, get emergency help right away.
References
Verywellmind by Barbarfield on 2023 at https://www.verywellmind.com/i-feel-empty-5195295
Psych2Go on 2022 at https://youtu.be/wySEeLuNreU?si=fAjoQLwcVAOqvxcK
Forbes Health on 2023 at https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/emptiness-causes-and-how-to-cope/
Psych2Go on 2021 at https://youtu.be/RYiGLtgpWCo?si=5VnuLtY0nRa4bX64