[tanto]

I have issues coming from episodes of blunted or flat affect. They come on suddenly and can last for days. I don't mind it personally, but it really bugs other people. It leads to triggering inquisitions from people. "are you okay?" "are you mad at me?" "did something happen?" "what's your problem?" "anon is acting weird today". This really causes me a great deal of stress and anxiety, and I attribute it to being a big part of my last IP and leaving my awesome job I was great at. Does anyone else have problems with their affect and how people react to it? I can't afford a T or someone like that to help me with coping skills and the like, so I hope someone here can offer advice beyond condolences.

[Coconutzo]

I feel like that flat affect is a coping mechanism, and it's actually a decent one. Unfortunately people dont always understand.
I do the same thing. I shut down outwardly like a computer rebooting. My boyfriend finds it frustrating, calling me out for being dead to the world. The thing is, I NEEED that dead time. I know I do. It affords me the resources to continue to function in my world, even if it is at the most basic level.
What I'm saying is, don't be hard on yourself and don't let other people. Tell them you are tired and forgot to have your coffee. Tell them your cat/dog/brother/sister/lover kept you up all night. Tell them you have a lot on your plate with work or whatever your current situation. I find myself telling people that I'm just distracted by something I need to take care of and dismissing myself from situations. I say" of course it's not you! I'm having a hard time being present because xyz is distracting me. And rainchecking.
It's ok to keep your head down when you are in recovery.

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[manicminer]

One doc told me I have a negative affect. This helped me make sense of why everyone always tell me, "smile" "what are you pissed off about" or "you doin alright buddy" when I'm happy as a clam on the inside.
Never gave me any advice on how to help it.

[tanto]

Thanks for the input guys.

Thanks for your post it really got me thinking...

Is your problem with both negative and positive emotions? Do you show some degree of emotion or none at all?

I also have this problem but mine is more in relation to positive emotions - I struggle to just be friendly and smile. But I also lack the empathy I used to have. Don't really know how to describe it.

I also don't really mind. My pdoc said it can be as a result of the meds.