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Have you ever felt like you're cruising through life on autopilot or that emotions are a distant concept difficult for you to grasp ?
You probably do if you clicked this video , but you're not alone .
There's a term for this feeling , alexithymia .
It refers to the struggle to identify , understand , and express one's feelings .
What is alexithymia ?
Alexithymia isn't a mental health disorder itself , but it often comes alongside conditions like autism spectrum disorder , depression , PTSD and brain injuries .
It's like living in a constant fog of emotions where even the simplest feelings can be hard to find .
Around 13% of people all over the world suffer from alexithymia .
Signs of alexithymia .
Now , before you start thinking , am I alexithymic ?
Hold up .
It's not just about having a bad day or being a little out of touch with your emotions .
Alexithymia is like living in a constant emotional fog where even the simplest feelings can seem elusive .
Some signs to look out for are difficulty understanding your feelings beyond good or bad , relying on logic rather than feelings , feeling emotionally numb or detached all the time , uncertainty of your own needs and desires , trouble telling physical sensations apart from emotions , limited imagination or fantasy life , struggle to grasp others' emotions or show empathy , sudden unexplained loss of motivation or drive , weak sense of self or identity .
These signs might show up differently for each person , but if you're nodding along to a few , it might be worth exploring further .
Causes of alexithymia .
So why does alexithymia happen ?
There's no one size fits all answer .
Sometimes it's in your genes .
You might have inherited a tendency for alexithymia from your family .
Other times , it's all about the experiences you've had .
Maybe you've been through some tough stuff that made you shut down emotionally as a way to cope .
It's more common among those who've gone through childhood trauma , abuse , or brain injury .
Having substance abuse , anxiety , depression , eating disorders , or OCD can also play a part .
Finally , alexithymia is more common among men , 17% than women , 10% .
Living with alexithymia , it's tough when you can't understand your own feelings .
Because all emotions feel the same to them , people with alexithymia don't even realize most of the time when they're upset , in pain , or even having a panic attack .
Your emotions tend to culminate in meltdowns that seem sudden and unexplained to you , and you likely need to be told by other people what you're feeling .
Connecting with others can also be a constant struggle .
Relationships can feel strained because expressing and interpreting emotions is like speaking a different language to you as someone living with alexithymia .
But don't lose hope .
There are ways to cope with alexithymia .
Seeking help from a therapist can provide a safe space to explore your feelings and learn coping strategies .
Practices like meditation and journaling can also help you tune into your emotions .
Remember , having alexithymia doesn't mean you're broken .
You're just wired differently .
Your experiences and emotions are still valid , and you're worthy of connection and understanding .
Sometimes , when you're feeling lost and can't quite put your feelings into words , it's like wandering through a thick fog .
But even in that fog , there are tiny breaks where things seem clearer like seeing a splash of color in a gray sky .
Those moments are precious .
Hold on to them , even if they don't last long , and just keep taking small steps forward .
You're stronger than you think and embrace your journey .
So , what's it really like living with alexithymia ?
And what helps you cope ?
Share your stories in the comments down below .
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Thanks for watching .