Emotionally unavailable individuals struggle to connect with others. Being emotionally unavailable is more-often-than not a learned behaviour. Some people are naturally more shy but often those characteristic is learned from parents. An emotionally unavailable parent who doesn’t show their emotions teaches their children to keep their emotions locked away. It can seem as if emotions should be controlled and never shown. This is unnatural and unhealthy. We were created with emotions and it’s our natural way to express ourselves. People who are emotionally inhibited tend to struggle in their interpersonal relationships. They have a wall up and gives very little away.
When you are emotionally unavailable, others find it difficult to connect with you and don’t know how to bond with you. When you play your cards close to your chest, you can end up feeling very isolated and lonely.
Break from being emotionally unavailable
Get in touch with your feelings. That’s a good start. Individuals who are emotionally unavailable often have difficulty in labelling their emotions, Emotions are alien to them and they use logic to get by in life. Learn to access your emotions and don’t suppress emotions that try to surface. It’s healthy to feel emotions, they are our compass in life
This Youtube video offers good tips and background info into emotional unavailability. What it is, and what to do about it:
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
