Has anyone figured out how to stop feeling empty inside?

I'm not sure exactly what others mean by 'empty', but it doesn't sound like the result of some kind of philosophical insight to me. What I try to describe above as a coldness and an alienation is far more relational than metaphysical. It does give rise to a kind of 'metaphysical' dimension, but that seems like a secondary effect.

Yea that's true. There is metaphysical or existential emptiness, and then the relational sort.

emptiness is the core of me. i know nothing else. and when i do feel something, i wish i could go back to the empty feelings.

If I'm not mistaken about the feeling you mean, I get this problem when I'm depressed (I mean bio-depressed, i.e. messed up emotions due to some physiological factor) while not having very much to be sad about.

I have dysthymia and antidepressants have helped. However, I recently had to change one of my other meds, and I've been getting the problem again due to a med side effect.

I can relate to that but you need to explain this to your therapist. In the meantime try indulging yourself into something meaningful.

Sorry if it is off topic... but this thread made me realise a very important thing and got me thinking. Finally the sense of void/emptiness and constant need is more defined, I can understand what it - probably - is about.

Thanks OP

I felt empty for the longest time. It took me years to come to terms with it. The work you do in therapy helps especially when you talk about things that are bothering you, your shame and guilt and your secrets. The other trick is being okay with the way you are and accepting yourself. You actually are in a better spot already than I was. I didn't have many friends or people who touched me. I would get affection from my therapists. I had family and a couple of friends but not close relations with them. It does get better though. I am ok with who I am now. It may not be what other people have but it is okay. I don't need affection all the time anymore. I rarely see a therapist also only as needed. It does get better. It just
takes time and effort.