Emotionally shut down

[helpamummaout]

I'll try and keep it short, I didn't have the best upbringing but I suppose I always buried it and got on with my life, since have my twins 20 months ago I struggled with depression and mental health, I feel like I kind of got out of the other side of that, off my anti depressants feeling a lot better mentally ect. The issue is now that I'm feeling emotionally shut down, it's affecting my relationship and friendships mostly. Has anyone experienced anything like this and have any advice other than counselling? Thank you

Hi...when you say emotionally shut down is it feeling numb? My husband had a traumatic upbringing and I think he suppressed his emotions,he says he cares about things but doesn't really "feel" anything,although I have seen him cry but it's like he can't find the words to express his emotions

Yes that's exactly what it's like for me! I suppose I feel a bit like a zombie! How is you're husband now?

Would you consider therapy? I mentioned that to my husband and he said he wouldn't,it's hard as I'm really emotional and I don't think he can relate,I think when you have had trauma the brain just tries to protect you and basically just shuts down your emotions,do you feel tearful ever? Or angry? I do think numbness is a normal reaction

A good therapist can help to get you back in touch with your feelings, OP, especially if you have learned to detach as a protective mechanism for coping with distress, a tough childhood or whatever.
It can be hard work, and very upsetting, to go through the process, but well worth the effort.
Emotional numbing can also be a feature of depression though. Are you definitely ok off your antidepressants, or is this numbing a new thing for you, and a sign of possible relapse? I’d definitely seek help in dealing with it.

Why don't you want counselling?

I'm not saying I don't want counselling, but with young twins we find it hard with childcare for me to go that's all. I had some
CBT over the phone and didn't find it as effective as if I'd seen someone face to face. So until we have the means of me being able to go I wanted to see if I could do anything in the mean time.
Yes I have been depressed in the past and I'm so much better now certainly don't feel depressed, just numb! I very rarely cry or get angry.