Why do I turn off my emotions when things get bad?is there a clinical term for this? how can i stop?

Question

what can i do to stop detaching from my emotions when things are going really bad? I've been having a really rough month (work, home, family) and the only way i know how to cope with it is to just not feel anything. When i mentioned to my fiancee' i think i should move out since he can't take my need to be alone (i would see him on weekends when i'm less stressed and more pleasant to be around) he just cried and cried...and i felt nothing since i am detached. i love him, but it's just the way i am coping with things right now. if i felt everthing, i would be a ball of mess and i would not be able to function day to day.

Answer 1

I do this a lot too. I always have. The only one I can cry with is the man I love. And I can do that because he accepts it, understands, and loves me. If you believe in the strength of your fiancee, you can believe in his ability to be strong for you, and understand his NEED to do so.

Answer 2

Maybe it's just a defense mechanism. But it's not bad to face your feelings, even when things are tough. It's actually healthy to get them out and express what you're going through.

If you're not comfortable talking to your fiancee or someone else about what's going on, try writing instead. This is really great way to "talk" about what you're going through and what's stressing you out, without 1. burdening others too much or 2. feeling vulnerable, if that's what you think you're afraid of.

Just try to work on progressively opening up, especially to your fiancee. Once you're married, that is the person you should be able to go to when things get tough.

Good luck. =)

Answer 3

What you have described can be termed as dissociative disorder. However, this is a pervasive diagnosis that requires a thorough review of all the circumstances and manifestations of the disorder.

For a complete understanding of what you are experiencing, review this website for the disorder mentioned above http://www.psychologynet.org/dsm.html

Also, review narcissistic personality disorder.

For an accurate diagnosis, you should seek assistance from a licensed psychotherapist.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I think it's just called detachment from life. Hey, it's hard to always step up to the plate and take responsibility --can drive one into hysteria. I remove myself emotionally for a day or two and then deal with it. That's just me--we all have our ways of dealing with life--let's face it life is difficult at times and ever how we handle it if we don't hurt others is ok to me.