Eh, Singaporean, feeling a bit blur these days? Like nothing excites you anymore, from winning 4D to your bae planning a surprise? You’re not alone. Many Singaporeans experience this feeling of being desensitized, and it can be a sign of something deeper. Let’s explore this and see what we can do lah!
SG Life: Numbness Rising
- Current Situation
Feeling desensitized, or anhedonia, is becoming increasingly common in Singapore’s high-pressure environment. Reddit threads are filled with Singaporeans describing a lack of joy and motivation. It’s not just about feeling sad; it’s about feeling nothing. This can manifest as indifference to both positive and negative experiences. One Reddit user shared, “Not sure when it began, but I feel so desensitised to everything that’s happening around me. Lost 10k in stock trading? Ok. Boyfriend planned a very sweet birthday celebration for me? Ok. Got a promotion at work? Ok. Dog passed away? Ok.”
That’s depression babe! … in all seriousness, what you are describing sounds like Anhedonia, which is a lack of ability to feel pleasure, or motivation.
- The problem might be more widespread that we think.
1 in 7 Singaporeans experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and desensitization can be a symptom of underlying issues like depression or anxiety. It’s important to recognize that this isn’t just ‘adulting’; it’s a sign that something needs attention. Sometimes, it is difficult to deal with the fact that you seem ok.
Stressed? Life’s Challenges Intensify
- Challenge Description
The constant pressure to succeed in Singapore, from excelling in school to climbing the corporate ladder, can lead to burnout and emotional numbness. The monotonous daily grind, coupled with social media overload, can exacerbate these feelings. Many Singaporeans find themselves trapped in a cycle of work, eat, sleep, with little time for genuine connection or self-reflection. This can create a sense of emptiness and detachment from life’s joys. “Wow you just described the past 10 years of my life. Don’t know exactly when or how it began. Perhaps it’s the hectic and yet monotonous daily grind that gets to all of us eventually.”
Sometimes getting excited about things requires the other person to give the same energy as you’d like. It’s quite hard to show emotions when the other doesn’t show it :”
- The stress of keeping up with Singapore’s fast-paced society contributes to this feeling of being desensitized.
Maintaining relationships can also be difficult when you feel numb. It’s challenging to show emotion and connect with loved ones when you’re struggling to feel anything yourself. This can lead to further isolation and a worsening of the problem.
Feel Again: Reclaim Your Joy
- Solution
The good news is, you can reclaim your ability to feel joy and passion again! Start by seeking professional help. A therapist can help you identify the root causes of your desensitization and develop coping strategies. You can visit a polyclinic to get access to affordable mental healthcare. As one Reddit user suggested, “I would personally recommend therapy. A good therapist won’t immediately try to assess you or figure out what’s “wrong”, because these things are often not so clear cut.”
To achieve the passionate life you dream of again, you have to start every choice you make with purpose! Friends want to hang out? Go for it. You want to stay home? Enjoy it to the max.
- Disconnect from social media and reconnect with the real world.
Engage in activities that bring you joy, even if you don’t feel like it at first. Force yourself to go for a walk in the Botanic Gardens, try a new hawker stall, or spend time with loved ones. Purposefully choose activities that are good for you. Remember, it takes time and effort to break free from emotional numbness. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. “Recently I have found that just taking time off to be by myself and disconnecting from devices helps me a lot.”
