Have you ever felt like you’re moving through life in a fog – not sad, not happy, just… flat? That experience has a name: emotional blunting. It’s when your ability to feel emotions, both good and bad, seems dulled or even switched off. You might laugh less, cry less or feel disconnected from things you used to care deeply about – including the people around you.
Emotional blunting can happen for different reasons. It’s often linked to depression or trauma, but it can also be a side effect of certain medications – especially SSRIs (a common type of antidepressant). These meds are incredibly helpful for many people, but in some cases, they can dampen emotional responses, making life feel muted or distant.
A 2023 study from the University of Cambridge, for instance, found that people taking SSRIs were less responsive to both rewards and setbacks – not unhappy, just less emotionally reactive. (That’s not to say that everyone who takes them will have that experience – SSRIs can be incredibly helpful. But some might react differently.)
For those who experience it, emotional blunting can be confusing or even distressing. You might wonder if you’re “going numb” or losing your sense of self. But it’s important to know: you’re not broken and you’re not alone. If you think emotional blunting might be affecting you, talk to your doctor. Adjusting your medication, trying therapy or exploring mindfulness practices can all help.
Above all, emotional blunting is treatable. With the right support, many people find their emotional depth returns – slowly but surely – like color coming back into a faded photograph.
Sources:
Scientists explain emotional ‘blunting’ caused by common antidepressants
