Certain events occur in our lives and everyone responds differently to them. Some are able to face them head-on, while others put up a wall, separating themselves from everything and everyone which is associated with the term “emotional detachment.”
The health-focused publication, Healthline, defines this term as, “When you or others disengage or disconnect from other people’s emotions. It may stem from an unwillingness or an inability to connect with others.”
The health hub above claims that there are benefits of using emotional detachment intentionally, such as establishing boundaries with particular individuals or groups. However, when you can’t control it, emotional detachment can also be detrimental, you will feel “muted” or “numbed.” as a result.
According to Very Well Mind, here is a list of symptoms of emotional detachment:
- You avoid people, situations and activities
- Preferring to be alone
- Struggling to feel positive emotions
- You have poor listening skills
- Ambivalence towards others
- You struggle to form and maintain relationships
- You are unable to open up to people
- Difficulty empathising with others
The above-mentioned source also claims that “Past abuse, neglect, and trauma can contribute to emotional detachment” are the few causes of emotional detachment.
Medical News Today also adds to these causes, bearing a heavy loss, like losing a parent or a significant other, enduring horrific events being robbed of the opportunity to form a secure emotional connection with a caregiver also contribute to feeling this way.
According to the above source, “Emotional detachment can affect a person’s physical, psychological, emotional, and social development.”
