Why You Feel Nothing All The Time (Alexithymia)

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 .