Feeling Empty: Strategies To Help Reclaim A Full Life

When you sense a hollowness within yourself, it may be described as an experience of emptiness. This could appear in several ways, such as feeling cut off from people, missing a sense of direction or feeling as though you don’t have a meaningful life. It may also manifest as a lack of fulfillment in your relationships or profession. Ignoring or suppressing these emotions can lead some people to use unhelpful coping strategies like substance misuse (sometimes incorrectly referred to as “substance abuse”) or self-destructive activities. If you have thought “I feel empty,” you are not alone; feeling empty is a common human experience, and there are ways to overcome this feeling.

Understanding The Cause Of Feeling Empty

The sensation of emptiness has a wide range of potential causes, typically resulting from several elements working together. The death of a loved one, a demanding job, an unrequited love, and relationship problems are typical causes. These past experiences may cause you to feel numb or sad, which may add to an empty sensation. To try to properly handle these emotions, it may help to explore any underlying causes. This might entail self-reflection, such as journaling or confiding in close friends about your thoughts and feelings. You might also speak with a licensed online therapist to explore the precise reason for the empty sensation and to develop a solution together.

Finding Meaning And Purpose In Life

Searching for meaning and purpose in life may help with overcoming a sense of emptiness. One example of a way to find meaning can be to participate in enjoyable and fulfilling pursuits like hobbies or sports. By pursuing a new hobby or interest, you might obtain a feeling of achievement and have something to look forward to. Volunteering or giving back to the community may also be beneficial since it can offer a feeling of direction and community. By putting more activities in your daily life, you might be able to stop feeling that sense of emptiness while you continue to explore underlying causes of this feeling. 

Building And Maintaining Positive Relationships

Creating and maintaining positive relationships can be an effective way to combat negative feelings of emptiness. Relationships, whether they be with family members, friends, partners, or our children, often give us a sense of community, emotional support, and connection when we face challenges or difficult times. Establishing boundaries and engaging in healthy communication may help to create and sustain satisfying relationships with loved ones. This might include setting firm limits yet remaining open to new relationships and experiences.

 It's also easy to lose touch with people who were previously a large part of your life. Isolating oneself can be a common part of feeling empty, and it's possible to let some relationships lapse as a result. It may be beneficial to take a moment and reach out to people you used to be close with, taking the time to explain your situation and rebuild your relationship. 

Practicing Self-Care

In addition, finding ways to relax and have fun might be beneficial in managing your mental health and giving yourself a break from the stress of childhood or adult life. There are many strategies to employ when you feel sad or empty. You can try multiple strategies to see what works for you.

Making Progress In Overcoming Feeling Empty

Feeling hopeless in your pursuit of emotional stability is a common feeling, but it's important to remember that progress may come in the form of small successes that add up over time. Regularly reflecting on how far you have come in overcoming the empty feeling may help motivate you and encourage further progress. You might feel more connected to people or activities, notice a decreased stress level, feel that you have a healthier body, or have an increased sense of purpose. Additionally, you might begin to experience greater satisfaction in your life and relationships as you continue working toward reclaiming your fullness.

Benefits Of Online Therapy

Online therapy might be a helpful tool if you are feeling off or experiencing a sense of emptiness. It's also possible that your feelings are the symptoms of a mental health condition. Many symptoms can go overlooked or ignored without treatment, and you may benefit from seeking out the help of a professional mental health provider. Professional help provided by a therapist can offer a safe and encouraging environment that allows you to investigate the underlying causes of your emotions. Together, you can develop strategies to maximize your fulfillment. Through effective communication and boundary setting, they might also assist you in creating and maintaining positive relationships. Additionally, therapy can be an effective resource in treating a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, which may be contributing to a feeling of emptiness. If you don’t feel comfortable going to a therapist’s office at this point, you might try online therapy.  

Effectiveness Of Online Therapy

Research has demonstrated the efficacy of online therapy in treating various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Additionally, online therapy enables individuals to get mental health care without needing physical visits and provides a convenient and safe platform for therapeutic sessions. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can discuss your feelings with a licensed therapist via audio or video chat, and you can contact them via in-app messaging in between sessions if you have questions or concerns.