Do you ever feel numb after finally getting a good outcome from something you've worked hard at?

The main thing that comes to mind, is after working hard on a computer programming task that seems particularly complex. I often feel up to my ears in complexity, and feel like there are probably several other things to solve and do . . . and then suddenly, I’m somewhat surprised to realize that all that needs to be done, seems like it might have been done. I think/feel something like, “Oh wow, am I finished? Huh.” And then I let go of all the concentration on the problem, realizing I don’t need to hold it any more. And yeah, that “Huh” moment, and the feeling after it can lead to a “well I guess I don’t have that to work on any more” phase, and sometimes I feel not much emotion about that, compared to the heavy stress and importance and urgency I’d felt about the task before.

I think this may be more true of tasks I’m doing for other people, on their projects, rather than when it’s been for a project of my own, because on my own projects, I tend to be more invested in the result and being able to use it and advance/improve my own project (usually a game).

You mean worn out, relieved and overjoyed at once? I know the feeling.

I’d have to say”no”. Three of my greatest accomplishments were done at work. Two occurred fairly quickly. The last took years, but it was finally approved. All three felt like a home run.

Yes.

Yes, a few times, when I have been emotionally invested. I think it’s because my brain just shuts off so I can process.

No. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that. I get super happy when something turns out well when I worked hard at it. Even if I didn’t work hard, when anything turns out well from a decision I made or some sort of plan or goal I’m so happy.

I should have added that my proposals seemed so obvious that it didn’t worth questioning. I was the low man on the totem pole, and it was a matter of finding the right audience to submit a well-written proposal who could put in place.

It comes down to logic. If there is an issue that people, even family members, complain about, then it needs to be resolved. Life is much happier that way.

I know I’ll feel numb when we get the walls done and the floor in and move my furniture back in.

Is numb like you don’t know what to do with yourself, because you don’t have to be thinking about everything that needs to get done anymore?

Numb to me is akin to a sad state of being or almost like shock, but it’s shock from something bad happening.

@JLeslie No, this was a relationship issue that had been being worked on for a long time by me and it finally seems to be resolving. I was happy about it but it was like I couldn’t let myself feel happy after such a long time striving. Perhaps it’s that I don’t really trust that it’s resolved.

@janbb That I can understand. I wasn’t thinking about relationships at all.

I don’t know if it relates to what you are going through, but if someone withholds their connection to me for a prolonged time and I think it’s way out of line, I never feel the same way about them again. It takes a lot to get me to that point. Then if eventually we are talking again or supposedly things are “ok” again, it’s never really ok for me. That’s sort of a numb feeling I guess.

I realize I’m in a relationship where the other person can be really horrible and punishing. It’s so hard if it’s someone who means a tremendous amount to you.

It would be one thing if they had some sort of epiphany that they had been wrong, but in my own experience it’s just that they are willing to not shut me out anymore, but it’s still full of walking on egg shells.

When it goes on for years it almost feels like don’t do me any favors ~. It doesn’t really feel like they had a change of heart, and hard to believe they really want a relationship, that’s the numb for me, it feels like they decided to give in and that they continue to want to have all the CONTROL. If it hasn’t been a very prolonged time I think it can go back to normal, but at first it’s like you’re not sure if it’s really happening. That’s my experience.

Hopefully, your relationship becomes what you want it to be and you’re just feeling cautious. A protective mechanism.

It’s hard to feel all of the feels when you’re in survival mode for so long.

I think some time for your brain to feel safe enough to let its guard down might help.