Freaking out a little...

I think something's seriously wrong with me. I just overheard my parents talking about putting our dog down, the dog we've had for most of my life that I love dearly, and it didn't affect me. At all. I didn't start freaking out until I realized I didn't feel any sadness or anger or...anything. I've gone into numb stages before, where I couldn't feel any emotions of any kind. I started going into one earlier this year, but I somehow managed to stop it. I wish I knew how I did it. I'm really getting worried I'm starting to go into another one.

Does anyone have any advice? I really don't know what to do.

I think it helps a lot to start by getting as clear as you can about just what the problem is. That means, what it is for you, not what it might be for someone else who reacts the way you do; and what it is for you now, not what it seemed to be for you some other time.

First of all, look and see if the problem is that something is wrong with you -- or that you think something must be. Those are not the same at all, and it's easy to give yourself a lot of unnecessary grief if you confuse them.

Hi...

Sorry to hear about your dog!! Pets are part of the family and it's difficult to deal with the thought of losing them.

I do have some suggestions. I don't know if they will be something you want to hear, or if they will help, but I hope they will.

First, ask yourself, when you finally did start to cry and break down, was it because you were upset about your dog and the thought of losing her/him, or was it because you were upset that you didn't feel like you had the "right" feelings for that at the time.

Second....please, do your best to not be so harsh on yourself. Numb periods can be difficult and uncomfortable, but they can also serve a protective purpose. It sounds as if you are judging your feelings and saying you are either wrong or right for feeling the way you do. Everyone deals with grief differently, and there are no wrongs or rights about it. Your feelings, or lack of feelings at the time is okay!! Numb may not be comfortable, but maybe at that moment, that's subconsciously what your mind needed to do. This does not make you a bad person.

If it makes you feel better, maybe try talking with your parents about this, if you have a relationship were you feel that could benefit you. If not, maybe a friend or a friends parent, or another family member...but I think you're doing okay.

Keep posting here too. We'll be here for you!! Hang in there, and be patient with yourself...K.

I'm sorry to hear about your dog. I had to put my lab down because he was old (15 ys) and had cancer. But I agree with Elysium. Sometimes your mind uses the numbing to protect its self. Especaily when you suffer a loss. It is uncomfortable and scary but it is there for a reason. I was numb for the longest time after I lost my mom. And honestly I'm glad I was.

You know, I actually decided last night that maybe this is a good thing, maybe it's exactly what I need after all the pain I've gone through lately. Maybe I just need a break so I can appreciate being able to feel pain again.

And then, of course, I woke up this morning and the numb feeling was gone. Figures. Just after I decide it's a good thing. Apparently that's how I stop it.

I'm still not horribly upset about my dog. Maybe it just hasn't hit me yet? Or it could be that I just have too much other stuff to deal with. Oh well. I'm sure I'll feel it eventually.

Thanks guys.