Why do I feel nothing when I hear bad news?

Anhedonia is one of the main symptoms of major depressive disorder, but someone might also experience this sort of reaction in response to things like anxiety or trauma. In grief, it is common to experience emotional numbness, especially in the days to weeks following the death.

What happens to your body when you receive bad news?

Repeat exposure to the news Fighting the urge to think about your bad news can lead to tension in your stomach, shoulders, and chest, a distraction from completing tasks, and chronic stress, digestive problems, and lethargy. Your brain is more able to deal with negative news than you might realize.

How do you tell someone with bad news anxiety?

Instead say: “I’m always here for you.” If you don’t know what it’s like to have severe anxiety, be honest about that. But also let them know that you know it’s real for them and you want to be there to support them however you can.

What does it feel like when you hear the bad news?

It is extremely common to not feel much of anything when you first hear the news. You may feel numb, like you are going through the motions. While other people around you may be crying upon hearing the bad news, for example, you may be sitting there in stony silence. Understand that this is normal and does not usually last very long.

What happens to your body when you get bad news?

In the immediate aftermath of receiving bad news, you may find it difficult to breathe. You may feel tightness in your chest, a pit in your stomach, or feel like you can’t catch your breath. Focus on your breathing and breathe deeply . When people are stressed out, they often hyperventilate.

Is it normal to feel bad news for days?

While your bad news may genuinely be catastrophic and traumatic, keep in mind that these difficult, overwhelming feelings will not last forever. Time is a good healer, and with each passing day you may find yourself working through your feelings and slowly figuring things out. You will find a new normal.

Is it normal to cry when you get bad news?

While other people around you may be crying upon hearing the bad news, for example, you may be sitting there in stony silence. Understand that this is normal and does not usually last very long. That feeling of numbness is the brain’s self-protection mechanism to not let too much trauma flow in at once.