Why Do I Feel So Empty

Why Do I Feel So Empty?

You may be feeling off or just emotionally checked out, and start to wonder, “Why do I feel so empty?” The sense of feeling empty or dead inside can happen to anyone depending on what is going on in life. To learn more about the causes of feeling empty inside and what to do about it, please read on.

Feeling Empty Inside

To others, you might look perfectly fine on the outside, however, on the inside you feel emotionally dead and hollow. It almost feels like there is a huge hole in your chest, a space that isn’t filled as it should be. When this happens, it’s natural to ask, “Why do I feel so empty?”

What often comes with the feeling of emptiness is a general loss of interest – in socializing, hobbies, or work. The malaise and apathy that ensue can literally keep you frozen in a state of emotional emptiness. There are many reasons for this, so let’s now explore the possible causes for feeling so empty inside.

8 Possible Reasons for Feeling Empty or Dead Inside

Why do I feel so empty, you ask? There are several possible causes for feeling like something important is missing in your life that is causing a sense of emptiness. Consider these 8 possible causes:

1. Lack of meaningful relationships. Sure, we might interact with others throughout our days, whether in the office or in a public facing role. However, without meaningful relationships in our lives we may become depressed, lonely, and empty inside.
2. Feeling disconnected from your core values. There are situations that cause us to bottle up our true opinions or feelings about core issues. The go along to get along mantra is especially common in the workplace. But when a disconnect exists between what we do for a living and what we believe in, we may detach emotionally.
3. Having an unfulfilling job. Considering that most of us spend more time at our jobs than anything else, being fulfilled in our work is essential. Feeling stuck in a go-nowhere, dull job that doesn’t challenge us can lead to feelings of emptiness.
4. Experiencing Loss and Grief. Grieving the loss of a loved one is a process that is different for each person. The period of grief is highly sensitive and emotional as the person adjusts to the loss. This mourning period can be very hard to bear and often leaves the person feeling empty inside.
5. Being in an abusive relationship. Individuals who are in a psychologically and/or physically abusive relationship may escape this reality by becoming emotionally detached. The person feels unloved and abused and begins feeling worthless and empty inside.
6. Feeling spiritually disconnected. Our spiritual natures prompt us to seek a sense of meaning and purpose in life. We yearn to connect spiritually with a higher power, so when we feel spiritually disconnected it leaves us feeling empty.
7. Experiencing mental burnout. Whether it is feeling totally overwhelmed at a job, parenting, or caregiving, mental burnout can set in. Burnout is the point you reach when you simply have had enough and stop caring, resulting in feelings of apathy and emptiness.
8. Having an undiagnosed mental health issue. When wondering, “Why do I feel so empty?” in some cases, a persisting sense of emptiness may indicate depression. If the empty feeling continues, and is accompanied with sadness, hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide, it could be depression.

How to Feel Emotionally Healthy Again

Our emotions are tightly connected to our physical and mental health. Because of the important role that emotions play, it is essential to get to the bottom of this problem. What actions can be taken to offset the emptiness inside and return to feeling emotionally healthy again?

First step: When you review the possible causes of the empty feelings above, see if any of them resonate. If you identify a cause that aligns with your current life experience, then you can take steps to address it. Consider these examples:

• If you recently lost a loved one and now realize that the emptiness inside is due to grief and loss, you can be patient with yourself. Understanding that the grief process takes time and patience can help you accept the way you’ve been feeling.
• Maybe it’s mental burnout, that your job is causing you to feel overwhelmed and burned out. Take steps to improve your time management, avoid biting off more than you can chew, and learn to delegate.
• You wonder, “Why do I feel so empty?” but now realize it is due to being in an abusive relationship. If so, it’s time to begin taking the steps to separate from the abuser while taking actions to protect yourself.

When Feeling Empty is Due to a Mental Health Challenge

What if the vacant feelings inside are related to depression or trauma? If so, finding solutions to these deep and complex conditions will require the support and treatment of a trained professional. A mental health treatment program can guide you toward feeling whole and emotionally well once again.

A residential mental health center allows you to unplug from daily life for a period of time. This allows you to truly focus on the mental health challenge that has led to feeling so empty. While in treatment, you’ll examine your thought patterns and make needed changes, and also acquire new coping skills. Here are the various activities you’ll engage in:

• Individual psychotherapy sessions
• Group sessions
• Trauma-focused therapies if applicable
• Family therapy
• Psychosocial classes
• Holistic and experiential activities
• Health and wellness activities

Robles Ranch Mental Health Residential Treatment Center

Robles Ranch Mental Health provides the perfect blending of a serene setting, kind and compassionate support, plus evidence-based treatment. If you are asking yourself, “Why do I feel so empty?” please reach out to us for some guidance. Call us today at (866) 840-3841.