To the outside world, it seemed as if he had it all.

At just 34, Kane* had already become a successful business owner. As a builder by trade, his revenue had soared over a decade, earning him millions. He had also invested in property, owning three homes by himself.

But beneath the surface, things were different. He struggled with a poor relationship with his parents and couldn’t sustain a successful romantic relationship. One of his former girlfriends had described him as “emotionally stunted”.

Emotional numbness can be an insidious and debilitating response to trauma, manifesting as a protective mechanism that shields individuals from overwhelming pain. However, while this emotional detachment may offer temporary relief, it ultimately impedes the healing process. Overcoming emotional blunting is a crucial step toward trauma recovery, enabling individuals to reconnect with their emotions and begin the journey toward healing.

Trauma disrupts the emotional and psychological equilibrium of those affected. Whether stemming from personal loss, abuse, violence or a catastrophic event, trauma can leave individuals feeling disconnected from their own emotions and the world around them. Emotional numbness is a common consequence, and is characterised by a pervasive sense of detachment, where feelings of joy, sorrow, anger, and love become muted or entirely absent.

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Kane said during arguments with his previous girlfriend of two years, he would simply “shut down”. “I wasn’t giving her........

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