Feeling numb
Feeling very little, or cut off from your feelings. Numbness can sometimes be a way the mind protects itself when things feel like too much.
If this feeling is heavy right now, you don’t have to hold it alone. Free support is available.
Where it sits on the wheel
Numb is in the middle ring, under Tired. Further out: flat, empty and detached.
A gentle prompt
You don’t need to feel anything in particular. What can you notice in your body right now: warm, cold, heavy, light?
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Something that might help right now
A slow breathing guide, if you’d like something gentle to focus on.
Feelings near numb
Tired (one ring in)
Tired is low on energy; numb is feeling very little, or feeling cut off from your feelings. They can come together, but they aren’t the same.
Exhausted (also under Tired)
Exhausted is about energy running out; numb is about feelings going quiet. They can come together.
Bored (also under Tired)
Bored wants something interesting; numb can feel little even when something interesting is there.
Flat (further out)
Flat is when nothing feels very good or very bad; numb can go further, to feeling very little at all.
Empty (further out)
Empty is a hollow feeling, as if something is missing; numb is feeling very little.
Detached (further out)
Detached is feeling at a distance from yourself, other people or what’s happening; numb is about feelings going quiet.
About the feelings wheel
Numb is one of the 104 words on the Slow Days feelings wheel, and the list of feelings has them all. The wheel isn’t a test or a diagnosis.
If a feeling has been heavy for a while, or you don’t feel safe, please talk to someone you trust or reach out for free support. If you’re in danger, call your local emergency number.