"While emotional numbing blocks or shuts down unpleasant feelings and experiences, it also shuts down the ability to experience pleasure, engage in positive interactions and social activities, and interferes with openness for intimacy, social interests, and problem-solving skills”

Emotions are a critical part of how we function in life.But when we’re overwhelmed or feeling helpless, it's not uncommon to turn to emotional numbing since it provides us with a protective defense. While this may provide temporary relief, learning to cope with difficult feelings this way can have long-lasting consequences. 
The first step is validating emotions as this process demystifies feelings and allows a space over overwhelming and disorganized thoughts and feelings.