Alexithymia is the difficulty in identifying, understanding, and expressing emotions. People with alexithymia may struggle to put their feelings into words, recognize emotions in themselves and others, or connect bodily sensations with emotional experiences. It’s not a lack of emotions—rather, it’s a difficulty in processing and articulating them.

Alexithymia is often linked to neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. Many people develop alexithymia due to masking, trauma, chronic stress, or a history of emotional invalidation.

🔹 Difficulty describing feelings (“I don’t know how I feel”)
🔹 Struggling to distinguish emotions from physical sensations
🔹 Feeling emotionally “numb” or disconnected
🔹 Challenges recognizing emotions in others
🔹 Relying on logic instead of emotions in decision-making
🔹 Overwhelm in emotionally charged situations

Because emotions guide so much of our communication, relationships, and self-awareness, alexithymia can make it harder to:

-Understand your own needs and regulate emotions effectively
-Express emotions in relationships, leading to misunderstandings
-Recognize stress, anxiety, or burnout before it becomes overwhelming
-Connect with bodily signals (like hunger, thirst, or fatigue)

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