Why don't I feel anything anymore, even about things I used to care about?

Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from things that used to matter to you is one of the most disorienting aspects of Major depressive disorder and Psychological trauma responses. This numbness often develops as a protective mechanism when your emotional system has been overwhelmed for an extended period. Your brain essentially puts up walls to shield you from further pain, but unfortunately, this protection also blocks out positive emotions and connections. This emotional flatness can be more distressing than sadness because at least sadness feels like something. Numbness can make you feel like you're watching your life from the outside, going through the motions without any real engagement or investment. You might find yourself unable to cry, laugh, or feel excited about things that once brought you joy. The good news is that depression/emotional-numbness" class="internal-link">emotional detachment is usually temporary, though it can take time to work through. It often indicates that your emotional system needs rest and emotional healing. This might involve processing underlying Psychological trauma recovery, addressing Major depressive disorder, or simply giving yourself permission to feel whatever comes up without judgment. Working with a therapist can be particularly helpful in understanding what's underneath the numbness and gradually reconnecting with your emotional life. Remember that feeling nothing is still feeling something—it's information about what your system needs right now.