Alexithymia: How to Recognize It in Yourself

Introduction to Alexithymia

Alexithymia is a condition where people have difficulty identifying and describing their emotions. Understanding alexithymia can help you recognize if you or someone you know might be experiencing it.

Key Signs of Alexithymia

Difficulty Identifying Emotions
- You might feel “blank” or “numb” when asked about your feelings.
- You might describe your emotions as “bad” or “off” without specifying if it’s sadness, anger, or another emotion.
Difficulty Describing Emotions
- You may struggle to find the right words to explain your feelings, often using vague terms like “fine” or “okay”.
- Explaining why you reacted emotionally in certain situations might be challenging.
Limited Imagination and Creativity
- Engaging in activities that require imagination, like daydreaming, might be difficult for you.
- Your dreams may be straightforward and practical, lacking emotional or imaginative elements.
Externally Oriented Thinking
- You tend to focus more on facts and external events rather than your internal thoughts and feelings.
- Discussing concrete topics (work, tasks, daily routines) might feel more comfortable than talking about personal or emotional experiences.
Difficulty Recognizing Emotions in Others
- You might find it challenging to read other people’s emotional expressions or body language.
- You may feel confused about why others react emotionally in certain situations.

Examples and Scenarios

In Relationships: You might seem distant or unresponsive when your partner shares their feelings. Understanding why they need you to express your emotions more can be tough.
At Work: Focusing heavily on tasks and productivity, you might find it hard to participate in team-building activities or social events that require emotional engagement.
In Social Situations: You may feel more comfortable discussing concrete topics like news or hobbies rather than how you or others feel.

Self-Reflection Questions

Ask yourself:

When someone asks how you feel, do you struggle to find the words to describe it?
Do you often feel disconnected from your emotions, as if they are vague or hard to grasp?
Do you find it easier to talk about facts and events rather than personal experiences and feelings?
Do you often feel puzzled by other people’s emotional reactions and not sure how to respond?

Next Steps

If you recognize these signs in yourself, consider these steps:

Seek Professional Help: A therapist can help you understand and manage alexithymia, using techniques to improve your emotional awareness and expression.
Engage in Mindfulness Practices: Activities like mindfulness and meditation can help you become more aware of your bodily sensations and emotions.
Expand Your Emotional Vocabulary: Read about different emotions and practice identifying and naming your feelings regularly.

Alexithymia can make it challenging to connect with your own emotions and those of others. Recognizing these signs in yourself is the first step towards addressing the issue and improving your emotional well-being. If you find these descriptions resonate with you, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support.

Life can be complicated, messy, and rarely progresses in a straight line. PeoplePsych is a Chicago-based psychotherapy group that treats adults seeking profound change in their lives. We provide services that affirm the dignity, worth, and value of all individuals. We strive to create a safe non-judgemental space for clients to explore the issues that bring them. To connect with one of our therapists, please contact our Clinical Coordinator at (312) 252-5252 or intake@peoplepsych.com.

Some helpful links that can provide additional information and resources related to alexithymia: