RO
Rowena
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Summary:
Many people worry they've become too numb—whether to violence in the media, social injustice, or even daily stress. But can you actually "undo" desensitization? In this article, I’ll dig into real-world strategies, science-backed evidence, and case studies to see if emotional sensitivity can be restored. I’ll share my own experience, expert commentary, and even look at how different countries handle the concept of "verified trade" as a parallel to international standards of emotional "reset."
Why Do We Become Desensitized in the First Place?
Desensitization happens everywhere. Think of someone working in emergency services—what shocks most people becomes "just another Tuesday." Or consider binge-watching violent TV shows: after a while, the impact dulls. It’s a survival mechanism, really. The American Psychological Association describes desensitization as a "reduced emotional responsiveness to a negative or aversive stimulus after repeated exposure" (APA, 2019). But here’s the kicker: just because your mind adapts, doesn’t mean it’s permanent. I once spent a summer working with a crisis hotline—by August, I noticed I barely reacted to stories that would have shattered me in June. That scared me. Could I ever get that empathy back?Is Desensitization Permanent? What the Research Says
Let’s get straight to it: the evidence says desensitization can be reversed, though the process isn’t always quick or easy. A 2018 meta-analysis in Trauma, Violence, & Abuse found that people exposed to repeated trauma, such as first responders or journalists, often regain emotional sensitivity after time away from the front lines (source). The brain’s plasticity allows it to recalibrate—but it requires both intention and the right environment.How Does Reversal Actually Happen?
Based on my own trial and error, and what therapists recommend, here’s how you can start to "re-sensitize" yourself: 1. Remove or Limit the Trigger When I realized I was numb to certain stories, I took a month-long break from crisis work. Just as with violent media, stepping back gives your nervous system a chance to reset. 2. Mindful Exposure Sounds counterintuitive, but gradual, mindful re-exposure to emotional material (rather than binging) can help. I started reading personal essays about grief—slowly, intentionally—rather than headlines. 3. Therapeutic Practices Many therapists use techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or trauma-informed CBT to help people process what they’ve "numbed out." Screenshot:
4. Social Connection
This one surprised me most. Having open-hearted conversations, volunteering, or just spending time with empathetic friends helped me reconnect with my emotions.
5. Creative Expression
Journaling, art, or music can bypass your overworked rational brain and help feelings come back online. I started writing poetry (badly!) and noticed a real change.
Case Example: Media Violence and Emotional Recovery
Let’s use a familiar scenario. Imagine a teenager who’s watched hundreds of hours of violent movies and games. At first, the images are shocking. Over time, they become background noise. Dr. Joanne Cantor, a leading researcher on media desensitization, found that when teens take a "media fast" (no violent content for 30 days), most report that their initial emotional reactions return—sometimes even more strongly than before (Cantor, 2017). I tried a similar experiment: after just two weeks off crime dramas, I found myself flinching at things I’d barely noticed before.Parallel: "Verified Trade" and International Standards Reset
You might wonder what trade verification has to do with emotions. Here’s the link: both involve standards, exposure, and the possibility of "resetting" to an original state. Different countries set different thresholds for what counts as "verified"—just as different people have different baselines for emotional response. Let’s look at a comparison:| Country | Standard Name | Legal Basis | Enforcing Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Verified Trade Program | US Customs Modernization Act | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) |
| EU | Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) | EU Regulation 648/2005 | European Commission / Member Customs |
| China | China AEO | GACC Decree 237 | General Administration of Customs of China |
Simulated Dispute: A and B Country Example
Suppose A Country accepts EU’s AEO for fast-track customs, but B Country only recognizes its own national verification. When a multinational company shifts trade routes, it must adapt to the new standard—sometimes retraining staff or changing procedures. This is a lot like someone moving from a high-stress, desensitizing job to a more empathetic environment: the adjustment period is critical, and support makes all the difference.Expert Take: Can All Desensitization Be Reversed?
To get a more nuanced view, I reached out to Dr. Alan Stein, a trauma psychologist who’s worked with both combat veterans and first responders. His perspective:"In my clinical experience, most people regain emotional responsiveness, especially if the desensitization is relatively recent. Long-term or repeated trauma can sometimes lead to persistent numbing, but even then, targeted therapy and supportive environments make a huge difference. The brain wants to heal."This matches what organizations like the OECD suggest regarding human adaptability and best practices for recovery (OECD Health at a Glance).
Real-World Challenge: What Makes Reversal Hard?
Not everything is a quick fix. For some, especially those exposed to trauma over years, certain emotional responses might never fully return to baseline. For example, a friend of mine who worked as a war photographer said he always felt a "veil" between himself and everyday emotions, even after years of therapy. But for most people—whether the cause is media, work, or repeated stress—the evidence (and my own experience) suggests a significant recovery is possible with effort, patience, and support.Conclusion: What Should You Try Next?
If you’re feeling numb, don’t panic. Desensitization isn’t a one-way street. Start with small, intentional changes: take breaks, seek out meaningful connections, and consider professional support if things feel stuck. Remember, like international trade standards, you can update your "certification" with time and effort. If you want to geek out more, check out the APA’s resources on trauma recovery or OECD’s guidelines on psychological well-being. And if you’re dealing with something heavy, don’t hesitate to reach out for help—sometimes the most important step is just letting someone know you want to feel again.Add your answer to this questionWant to answer? Visit the question page.