Ever feel like life in Singapore is just a blur of MRT rides, HDB BTO applications, and endless deadlines? You’re not alone. Many of us find ourselves going through the motions, ticking off achievements, yet feeling strangely… nothing. That promotion, a sweet gesture from your partner, even a significant loss – it all just washes over you. Is this just ‘adulting’, or is there something deeper at play?
The Numbness Trend
- Current Situation
“Not sure when it began, but I feel so desensitised to everything that’s happening around me.”
A growing number of Singaporeans are reporting a pervasive sense of emotional numbness, often mistaking it for a natural part of growing up. This isn’t just about feeling sad; it’s about a lack of feeling anything at all – joy, sorrow, excitement, or even motivation. On paper, life might seem perfect, with a stable job, good friends, and family. Yet, internally, there’s an unsettling void. This feeling, sometimes called anhedonia, is a common symptom of depressive episodes, though it can exist independently.
- Beyond Normal Adulting
“Hm, honestly this can be the onset of depression. Becoming numb, desensitized and depersonalized can be symptoms.”
While some level of ‘blasé’ attitude might come with age, as one Redditor pointed out, genuine desensitisation to everyday joys and sorrows is not a normal part of adulting. It’s a concerning trend that suggests a deeper struggle with mental well-being, often exacerbated by the relentless pace and high expectations of life in our Little Red Dot.
Beyond Just Sadness
- The Empty Feeling
“Contrary to popular belief, depression is not just feeling sad all the time. It also manifests as feeling nothing at all. No joy, no sorrow, just nothing. And the emptiness is painful.”
One of the biggest challenges with this emotional numbness is its deceptive nature. Unlike typical depression that might manifest as profound sadness, this state often appears as functional normality. You might still go to work, meet friends, and participate in activities, yet feel disconnected and empty inside. This makes it incredibly difficult to identify and seek help, as externally, everything seems “okay”. The societal pressure to always be resilient and ‘strong’ in Singapore can further mask these internal struggles.
- Hidden Obstacles
“Depression/struggling with your mental health doesn’t always manifest as intense feelings of sadness or anger or resentment. Sometimes it comes in the form of feeling completely numb to everything and this form of depression can in fact be so much more difficult to deal with due to the fact that you seem “ok”.”
The constant grind, the focus on material success, and the ‘kiasu’ culture can contribute to this emotional fatigue. Social media, too, plays a part, creating an illusion of perfect lives that can amplify feelings of inadequacy or detachment. This internal battle, often fought in silence, prevents individuals from experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions, leading to a life that feels unfulfilling despite outward success.
Reignite Your Spark
- Seeking Professional Help
“Go see a therapist. Change up your lifestyle. Go for exercise.”
The first crucial step is to acknowledge that what you’re feeling isn’t just ‘normal adulting’ and that help is available. Consider speaking to a General Practitioner (GP) or a counsellor. Polyclinics can be a good starting point for referrals or even to discuss medication if appropriate. A professional can help you understand the root cause of your feelings and provide tailored strategies to cope and heal. It takes courage to reach out, but it’s a vital investment in your mental well-being.
- Lifestyle Reset
“Recently I have found that just taking time off to be by myself and disconnecting from devices helps me a lot. We are so used to the mind having to chew on something 24/7 and neglect that sometimes the mind just needs room to decompress.”
Many Redditors shared successful personal strategies. Disconnecting from social media and devices can offer your mind much-needed rest. Engaging in purposeful choices, even small ones, can gradually re-engage your emotions. This could mean taking long walks in Singapore’s green spaces, rediscovering old hobbies, or simply dedicating time to quiet reflection. It’s about giving your mind space to decompress and finding what truly brings you joy, not just what’s expected.
- Purposeful Living
“To achieve the passionate life you dream of again, you have to start every choice you make with purpose!”
Reigniting your spark requires conscious effort. Start by making small, purposeful choices that align with your values and desires. Reconnect with friends and family with genuine intent, not just obligation. Explore new experiences, even if they feel daunting initially. Remember, feeling again takes time and consistent effort, but the journey towards a more vibrant, emotionally rich life is incredibly rewarding. You deserve to feel it all.
