Why Do I Feel So Empty? Exploring the Roots of Emotional Void
- January 2, 2024
- Lifestyle and Wellness
- 0 Comments
Have you ever felt empty and disconnected? Is this what you’re going through right now? You always wanted to make friends, connections, and groups with people, and you end up feeling this empty void in your chest as if you haven’t accomplished anything, and it has destroyed you and your mind.
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The problem is it gives you trust issues, anxiety, RSD, intrusive thoughts, and more.
The good news is that there are many ways to help you get out of it with a simple effort. But first, let’s Mental Map Guide to make you aware of your condition.
Why Do I Feel So Empty?
Covert avoidance may be the reason for feeling empty and unhappy despite having close relationships and meaningful work.
Covert avoidance is a deep-seated form of avoidance resulting from childhood trauma, leading to avoiding emotional attachments and meaningful experiences.
Psychologists emphasize the importance of close, positive relationships and fulfilling work activities. It may be due to covert avoidance if you have these but still feel unhappy. Covert avoidance is avoiding one’s own life and responsibilities.
Covert avoidance is an elusive and deep-seated form of avoidance:
- Covert avoidance is common for people with adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, abandonment, and emotional neglect
- It isn’t apparent to other people and sometimes not even to the person themselves
- It can make them feel like they’re doing everything right but still lack happiness and meaning
- This behavior is likely learned in childhood as a way to protect themselves emotionally
There is more than one reason why you feel so empty.
1. You don’t know who you are
One common reason for “Why do I feel so empty?” is a lack of insight into yourself. For example, you need to figure out what you want and lose touch with who you are and who you want to be.
It makes you feel like you’re living with an empty soul, no plan, no goal, and aimlessly coasting through life.
Or simply, you are losing yourself to your work or your relationships. You have no joy with your job; you feel exhausted from going to the office and back home every day.
You have fun talking with your friends and laughing at their jokes, but you only see four walls when back home.
Every once in a while, it is good to take some time out. Have time for you to reflect on your inner thoughts and feelings. Besides, re-evaluate your beliefs and values to be stronger.
2. You do not have meaningful relationships
Another reason “why do I feel so empty” and distraught is that you feel isolated and detached from those around you.
Meaningful relationships show mutual respect, trust, open communication, and emotional support. You feel understood, accepted, and valued for who you are.
Such connections bring a sense of belonging, security, and fulfillment. In a meaningful relationship, you can share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment, receive encouragement during challenges, and celebrate victory together.
So, if you’re feeling empty, it may be causing a lack of meaningful connection and support.
You can have a small circle of people in life who you can open up to, be relaxed and comfortable with, and enjoy spending time with.
3. You have not made peace with your past
The reason that keeps you feeling empty for a long term is your memory. For example, you regret what you have done and waste time with self-blame and self-pity.
You have to make your peace with whatever it was in the past that held you back. And start focusing on the present.
Remember, there is no perfect person. We all make mistakes at least once in our lives, and it’s okay to forgive yourself and allow yourself to grow and heal.
You should learn not to stay hung up on your past and move forward with your life.
Physical Causes of Feeling Empty Inside
Feeling empty may be affected by physical, psychological, and environmental factors. It’s important to know that these factors have a connection. Here are some common physical causes of feeling empty:
- Hormonal Changes: Thyroid Disorders can lead to feelings of emptiness
- Lack of quality sleep: makes you stressed and affects your emotional well-being
- Low levels of vitamin B12 and nutritional
- Substance abuse enables altered brain chemistry and changes your emotion
- Serotonin and Dopamine Levels are imbalanced
- Chronic Pain or Fatigue
- Medication Side Effects
How To Stop Feeling Empty
Sometimes, what you find frustrating about this is that you’re well aware of it; what’s problematic is that you know this but struggle to deal with it. Most people know their problems but fail to act on their solutions.
But if you even don’t act, you have nothing. Knowing healthy ways to regulate all those negative emotions that may arise when you try to be more active in your life is very important. Let’s see what you should do to stop feeling empty.
1. Practice mindfulness, Breathing Technique
You will learn that your feelings are valid and that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being. You find an anchor in the storm through mindfulness and breathing techniques, a quiet place to reclaim your sense of self. These practices may become your refuge, sanctuary, and source of strength. It will help you reconnect with yourself, embrace your worth, and find your voice again. In the end, you grow stronger, not despite these experiences but because of them. You will learn that it’s not just about surviving but about thriving and blossoming in your journey.
2. Acknowledges and accept your emotions
Take time to find out and accept the feelings you’re experiencing. It could be sadness, frustration, or confusion, and you need to acknowledge these feelings as the first step towards understanding yourself better. This step will open the door to self-love and self-awareness, paving the way for positive thinking.
3. Let go of the shame and blame
Treat yourself with the same kindness you give a friend during a tough time. Why are you ashamed? Does that come from your confidence? You don’t believe in yourself and think you deserve to have those things? But you know that everyone faces challenges and difficult emotions from time to time. Instead of dwelling on negative judgments about yourself, practice self-love and self-confidence.
4. Identity the root cause of your feelings of emptiness
There are many reasons for feeling emptiness, as we mention above. Your job is to reread it carefully and find out which one is the main factor that makes you feel empty. When you know it, you will have a bright eye to make a plan to solve that issue.
5. Notice and appreciate what you have
Focusing on the positive aspects of your life to bring up a sense of gratitude. Take a few minutes each day to appreciate your relationships, accomplishments, and simple joys that bring fulfillment to you. Gratitude can be a powerful factor in shifting your mindset from focusing on what’s lacking to what you already have.
6. Create and follow a healthy routine
You should have a healthy daily routine because it can be particularly beneficial when feeling empty. But don’t go on a diet; it’s not ok if you’re in an empty mood. You can choose fresh vegetables or get a reasonable diet from a nutritionist. Besides activities such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep also promote physical and mental well-being. Note that a consistent routine may contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your daily life.
Final Thought
Finally, I hope you’re aware of what has been holding you back since childhood and know what caused it after reading this post. Most importantly, the secret is six methods that help you get rid of this empty feeling. The more you think about it, the more natural it sounds.
Don’t forget to visit Mental Map Guide’s blog for helpful knowledge and great tips about mental health.
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