When You No Longer Recognize Your Own Emotions
Briefly

The article discusses the concept of interoception, which is the awareness of internal bodily states and their connection to emotional regulation. It highlights how reduced interoceptive abilities, known as alexithymia, hinder individuals from recognizing and expressing their emotions, thereby exacerbating conditions like depression and anxiety. Recent studies have identified key brain regions involved in interoception, including the somatosensory cortex and insula, which play critical roles in processing sensory information and emotional experiences. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of interoception in mental health and emotional awareness.
Interoception refers to the ability to perceive, recognize, and understand one’s internal bodily signals, which is crucial for emotional regulation.
Alexithymia impacts emotional awareness, making it difficult for individuals to understand and express their feelings, which can exacerbate mental health issues.
Brain regions associated with interoception function, particularly the insula, can reveal the neurobiological underpinnings of alexithymia and its impact on emotional regulation.
An impairment in interoceptive ability complicates the self-awareness process, making it challenging for individuals, especially those with depression, to articulate their emotional states.
Read at Psychology Today
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