Emotional Blunting with Antidepressants

Emotional Blunting with antidepressants. Many people who take antidepressants will say they feel flat, numb or like they can't experience normal emotions. In this video I discuss why that happens and what can help it.

[azabarca]

Hi doctora. Didn't know about this effect at all, such an useful information. I thought that it was an effect of mood regulation in the way I was no longer "so needy" of other's approval and I found it fantastic, but I have become more distant and less affective with my family as well... my anxiety was triggered by wittness or found out someone was in pain or struggling with serious issues, street animals especially; to the point I avoided going out because I was afraid to witness lonely animals, homeless people etc... now I deal better with that. I guess in my case the benefits are greater than the unexpected "less" affective Aza...

[miamzi]

The dullness was weird as hell . A big family bomb was dropped on us and i disassociated through the hole meeting and felt numb to the situation after . Learning about our long lost brother should have brought me joy, anger or tears . I said cool and went to sleep and forgot about it

[Pazuzu-]

Depending on how severe your case is, this "blunting" can be heaven sent.

[robertjmccabe]

Depression is horrible. The most intense pain I’ve had in my life. I feel for anyone going through it now.

[Lurker]

Being on Zoloft, I do find I am pretty blunted. But, with how intensely I felt all of my emotions before and the massive highs and lows, this blunting actually makes me feel super stable and like "this is what normal people must feel like"

[janfilbeck]

My sister told me recently that she has lost all motivation since starting a new med. I asked her what it was. She said Zoloft! I've been on 100mg for years but never connected this dull apathy to it. I don't pay bills, almost didn't get our taxes in on time, our house looks like an episode of Hoarders. Right away I cut down to 50 mg and 2 weeks later I feel more productive. Thanks for your video Dr Marks! I know I'm on the right track!

[Yolduranduran]

For me I was feeling too much. I could feel myself emotionally react too strongly to family/ health issues, too empathetic and reactive. I feel the dulling helps me because I can be more reasonable. I'm fine with it.

[lorainelizardo]

This is so true....I feel numb everyday...I feel like I am not growing because I do not face problems in a normal way due to emotional blunting. So I take half to at least feel what im going through in life and face it in order to take back my normal life again. The more I dont face my emotions the stronger it will be. Whats worst is to let my emotions conquer me. I want to face it, be exposed of it and learn from it. So that I'm better and stronger than yesterday. We cannot always run from life. Life wil;l always be hard if we dont face and grow from it emotionally. Thank you for the information Dr Tracey.

[auntbroccoli]

Oh my goodness! You could knock me over with a feather right now. This video popped up in my feed for no apparent reason (obviously, I was meant to watch it). Thank you, Dr. Tracey- I am not crazy! For years I have felt like a different person. Not "me" at all. I used to have a great sense of humor, so empathetic that it caused exhaustion, but the kicker was when my grandchildren moved three states away and I didn't shed a tear. You have given me so much information in such a short time that I can now dig deeper into this topic. The medications I take for depression and migraines MUST be the culprit. I have turned into a dull person with a small sense of humor and very little apathy. There IS hope! Thank you again!

[Porterhabazz]

When that “emotional dullness” happened it was HORRIBLE. I couldn’t feel ANY type of emotion. I’m not naturally like that so it was very distressing. On top of the fact that I am a musician and I felt my creativity was slowly being stripped away....what did I do to fix this?? Nothing. I just stopped taking my meds. Hell, if it’s gonna make me feel this way then I don’t wanna keep trying different meds. I already have enough health issues as it is.

[sommetbleu]

I have been on SSRIs for over 30 years and I’ve discovered that many of my problems are due to emotional numbing, sexual numbing, cognitive impairment, and a general inhibition of feelings. There is no sharpness. So I’m going on a long taper and it’s extremely difficult. People don’t need new drugs to control the depression. They need something that will not screw up their physiology.

[chloerudel]

Is it bad of me to not mind the emotional blunting? I felt so much for so long that it felt like a relief to not feel as much.

[mme_juggernaut]

When you mentioned creative people being affected harshly, cried a bit cause this is exactly what it feels like for me now. I didnt know about the deflation at all. I've been on several combos over the years. Currently the main is Zoloft and I think this is what is happening.

[ShaniTheBurningTree]

Hello Dr! I wanted to say that I have been following you for years and started cymbalta in 2016 due to fears and depression living with my ex husband. This year my doctor and I discussed tapering and he told me he thought I was ready. So it took about 9 months but I tapered by taking a pull every other day, then every three days, then once a week and now I’m flying solo for the 7th day. No dizziness or too much zapping.

I will say that I took my medicated time to learn coping strategies, meditation, Wim hof and as my emotions bloom back into my heart, they feel so 3 dimensional. It’s absolutely beautiful, including the sadness. I never thought I could be so capable to manage my emotions and I’m grateful for the job the cymbalta did and I will happily go back on it when needed but peace out! I’m still going to watch you for sure.

There is hope, you just declare it and reach out for help!

[RebelInHerOwnRight]

She is so spot on. I work in the entertainment industry and for depression I took zoloft with emotional blunting and because I have nerve pain due to 2 car accidents I was put on cymbalta (DO NOT TAKE) and yet again an even worse emotional blunting. Im also a singer song writer and the drugs blocked my ability to feel emotion when trying to sing the songs and reach emotional depths to project the right energy to the audience.

[driae]

I’ve been finding myself pulling away, not wanting to be bothered with ppl . I went into a little bubble . I had random times where I cry for no reason

[thecreativemastermin]

Thank you for making this video. It made me aware and feel less alone. I thought I was the only one experiencing it.

[caroconga]

Thanks a million for your lovely, clear videos. It's great to get this education. I really appreciate your kindness in doing these for everyone.

[sharkbaitblu]

Thank You Dr Marks have watched your channel grow since its inception. Well done. Im taking antidepressants for the 2nd time in my life, after using alcohol for years. Alcohol does not work. I'm 56 now and suffered for years with C-PTSD due to being in care since I was 2 years old. It was a succession of abusive experiences across multiple families for 14 years. I am liking the fact that Im emotionally blunted. It helps me discern my priorities and responses to stressors so that they do not overwhelm or interfere with my daily goals. Im also wishing to pursue further studies at University so this will keep me even keeled and focused. While it can be uncomfortable, there is a real benefit. I miss some aspects of my emotional landscape but there is a freedom not to be in constant sadness and anxiety on a daily basis. To have a more stoic centre that keeps me emotively regulated, and intellectually focused on my goals both large and small. I will be pursuing appropriate counselling on a long term basis and in time wean myself off the medication.

[AllTheCyanide]

Holy crap thank you! I thought I was alone on this one! My doctor did not listen to me when i asked so I’ve been living emotionally blunted for years about 7 years! I found a new doctor recently that helps me much more. I feel like I’ve been woken up from a dream