Feeling empty inside: Why it happens and what to do

Human beings have a range of emotions. Our feelings can change from one moment to the next, and this can be confusing. But what if you don’t feel anything at all? The absence of emotion is sometimes described as a feeling of emptiness or numbness. For some people, this can happen when they’re stressed or overwhelmed, but it doesn’t last forever. 

However, if you’re feeling empty all the time, it could indicate something more serious. Chronic emptiness is associated with various mental health conditions that may require professional help. Learning more about emptiness and where it comes from can help you better understand yourself and empower you to ask for help. 

What does it mean to feel empty inside?

There are many reasons why you might feel empty inside. It could stem from an unexpected loss, a traumatic event, or facing an uncertain future. Emptiness is an internal emotional experience that can persist for various amounts of time. 

While emptiness is subjective, for many people, it can include:

• A lack of hope for the future
• An inability to look forward to anything or feel positive emotions
• A sense of hollowness 
• A feeling of detachment from oneself and others
• A sense of numbness and nothingness
• A lack of purpose or fulfillment

Having one of these experiences doesn’t necessarily mean you have a mental health condition. It can be difficult to cultivate meaning, connection, and purpose amid life’s challenges. But if you’re dealing with a sense of emptiness that you can’t seem to overcome and it’s negatively affecting your mental health, relationships, or ability to function, consider seeking a professional evaluation.

Is feeling emotionally numb a sign of a mental health condition?

Anyone can experience emptiness. But if you find yourself facing a sense of emptiness that won’t subside, it could be a sign that you’re living with an underlying mental health condition, like: 

• Major depressive disorder (MDD): MDD — often referred to as depression — can lead to a loss of hope and motivation, social isolation, and feelings of numbness. These symptoms are closely linked to emptiness. MDD is one of the most common mental health conditions in the U.S., affecting more than 8% of adults.
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): PDD — while less severe than MDD — is characterized by many of the same symptoms. It can lead to episodes of sadness and emptiness that interfere with daily functioning. PDD is believed to affect about 7% of adults in the U.S.
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD): Emptiness is a core feature of BPD. This may be due, in part, to the ways that BPD can negatively affect a person’s self-concept. BPD is believed to affect approximately 3% of U.S. adults. 

Keep in mind that while emptiness can accompany any of these conditions, they all have unique symptoms and diagnostic criteria. These conditions can also co-occur, meaning you could have more than one at the same time. 

If you’re experiencing emptiness and aren’t sure where it’s coming from, that’s OK. You don’t need to have a diagnosis to ask for help. A therapist can help you explore the source of your symptoms and create a plan to help you feel more fulfilled.

Five tips to increase engagement 

In some cases, people need professional help to overcome emptiness. This can include going to therapy and, in some cases, taking medication for conditions like depression. However, there are also some self-help strategies for coping with emptiness.

1. Notice your feelings, but don’t judge them. Feeling hollow or not being able to connect to your emotions doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. Let yourself experience what you feel (or don’t feel) without judgment.
2. Remind yourself that it’s temporary. Remind yourself that with some time, patience, and the right support, you can feel less empty. While it might be difficult at the moment, it won’t last forever.
3. Talk to someone you trust. If you’re feeling empty, you might be tempted to isolate yourself from friends and loved ones. But by sharing your experience with someone you trust, you can feel less alone. You might even learn that other people in your life have experienced feelings of emptiness too.
4. Reignite an interest. Emptiness can cause you to lose interest in activities or hobbies you used to enjoy. So look for small ways to get back into things you love. For example, maybe you used to love to cook. But instead of trying to make an elaborate meal, maybe buy a few ingredients for a simple snack. 
5. Volunteer your time. Giving back can help you feel more connected to the world around you. Look for opportunities to get involved with a purpose-driven organization you’d like to support.

Find care with Rula

Most people will experience a sense of emptiness at some point in their lives. It can happen during a particularly difficult season, while grieving a loss, or after a traumatic event. But if you’re feeling empty or disconnected all the time, it could be a sign of a mental health condition. Conditions like depression and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are known to cause emptiness, and symptom management typically requires professional help. 

Fortunately, with Rula, you can easily access quality, affordable mental healthcare. Whether you need help with emptiness or another issue, our therapist-matching program makes it easy to find the right in-network provider for your needs. In just a few clicks, you can sift through your options and make your first live-video appointment for as soon as tomorrow.

Find a therapist with Rula