Emptiness
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The neutrality and factual accuracy of this article are disputed. Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page. (March 2008) |
This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. Please improve the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (September 2007) |
The neutrality or factuality of this article or section may be compromised by unattributed statements. You can help Wikipedia by removing weasel worded statements. |
Emptiness as a human condition can be thought of in multiple ways.
Emptiness is often a painful experience or feeling. EX:"Empty is the sky before the sun wakes up, Empty is the eyes of animals in cages, Empty are the faces of women in mourning, When everything has been taken from them, Me? Don't ask me about empty"-Chiodos[1]
In the painful sense, it is described as a feeling of numbness, inability to feel anything emotionally, or not having purpose. It can be better described as a situation where a certain lack or lacks in one's life overtake the emotional and mental focus in an obsessive, sometimes subconscious manner. Feelings of emptiness often accompany chronic discontent, dysthymia, [2] depression, loneliness, despair, or other mental/emotional disorders such as borderline personality disorder. It may seek expression through different types of self-harming behaviors, and in more extreme cases, suicide.
Emptiness often involves alienation, be it temporary or acquired, and sometimes self-hatred. Persons tending to feel emptiness often come from problematic familial backgrounds. If at all there was a family nucleus, their needs were ignored, they were considered second class, they experienced many separations, or there was outright abuse [3][4] (see also the role of childhood abuse in BPD individuals).
A sense of emptiness is not always associated as such, and may be part of a natural process of grief, as resulting of separation, death of a loved one, or other significant changes to one's life.
Contents |
[edit] Dealing with emptiness
Some people may find psychotherapy beneficial. Self-occupation is important if the afflicted person is to hold off the negative effects, and avoid the natural aggravation of the untreated emotion.[citation needed]
In cases of unemployed individuals, getting into the work market may help them enrich their lives, although pitfalls such as in the case of depression may prevent them from mustering the efforts of searching for a job. In such cases it is advisable to seek professional job placement help. Governmental agencies may offer help in this domain as well.
Other solutions possible are:
- Getting a pet - it has been found that often pets are able to ease the sense of emptiness or loneliness. [5][6] See also Animal-Assisted Therapy.
- Spiritualism - some people may find spiritual fulfillment or inner peace.
- Volunteering also fills the time and brings social contact.
- Engaging in any social interaction.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Chiodos- Bone Palace Ballet -The Undertaker's Thirst For Revenge Is Unquenchable (The Final Battle)
- ^ Downs, A. The Half-Empty Heart: A supportive guide to breaking free from chronic discontent. (2004)
- ^ Clive Hazell, "The Experience of Emptiness", pages 41-43. AuthorHouse, 2003.
- ^ Paul L. Adams, Ivan Fras, "Beginning Child Psychiatry", page 208. Brunner Routledge (UK), 1988.
- ^ Petnet - Responsible Ownership in Australia - And then there were two!
- ^ Mar. 27, 1997-Vol28n25: Research provides further evidence that pets, music effective at reducing stress
[edit] Further reading
- Moss, Robert. Understanding Emptiness: The Think/Feel Conflict. R. A. Moss, 1993. ISBN 0-9638848-0-8
- Sanders, Catherine. How to Survive the Loss of a Child: Filling the Emptiness and Rebuilding Your Life. Three Rivers Press, 1998. ISBN 0-7615128-9-6
[edit] External links
|