Feeling empty

[Guest_48639112]

For years, I have been feeling empty when I am by myself. I hate this feeling. I often try to have people around me by spending money on them, taking them out for dinners. While I am generous, I don’t want to use this behavior to cover my empty feeling. I want to feel cheered up without needing to be around people. I want to feel motivated to do things for myself. I want to live for myself, not just because I have to live and do my best for my young daughter. I am unable to leave the house if I don’t have someone with me. For instance, I force myself to go to the grocery store for groceries. I see psychologist every fortnight but I go back to the empty feeling as I walk out the counseling sessions. 

How can I stop this madness?

[Guest_9972]

It's positive that you're already seeing a psychologist, but it's important to address these feelings directly in therapy.

Focus on exploring your own interests and passions, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

Building a sense of self-worth independent of others' validation takes time and effort, but it's possible with consistent self-reflection and support.

[Happylife]

Hi Guest_48639112,

Welcome to the forums. Really sorry to hear about your feeling of emptiness. Recognizing and addressing the feeling is the first step to getting better so you are already halfway there, be proud of yourself.

It's good to hear you are getting professional help. Sometimes feeling empty can happen because of lacking purpose or meaning in life or it could be because of a particular incident that happened.

Connecting with family and friends is really great for mental health but nothing and no one can make you happy until you are happy with yourself.

Please try to be kind to yourself and try self-care without feeling guilty. Maybe consider a new hobby or setting some small achievable goals in life which might make you feel happy and worthy.

Hugs to you, take care...