Why Do I Feel Empty Inside Quiz
Questions: 15 · 10 minutes
1. When you had the chance to do something you normally value or enjoy, what usually happened?
I could become interested or enjoy at least part of it.
Starting took more effort, though I found some interest once involved.
I usually felt little interest and often stopped or avoided the activity.
Nothing felt rewarding, and that loss felt deeply distressing or hopeless.
2. Which statement best reflects your recent experience with intentionally hurting yourself?
I have not thought about or intentionally hurt myself.
The idea crossed my mind, but I did not feel an urge to do it.
I have felt urges to hurt myself, though I have not acted on them recently.
I have hurt myself recently, taken steps toward it, or believe I may do so soon.
3. When the emptiness becomes intense, what best describes any urge to escape through dangerous or injurious action?
I have not had an urge to put myself in danger or cause injury.
I noticed a brief impulse but did not move toward acting on it.
I have had repeated urges or taken minor risks that concern me.
I have taken a dangerous or injurious action, begun preparing for one, or may act soon.
4. Over the past two weeks, what best describes thoughts about not wanting to be alive?
I have not had thoughts like that.
I had a brief, unwanted thought that passed without an urge to act.
The thoughts have recurred, but I have not intended or planned to act on them.
I have had intent, made a plan, taken preparatory steps, or think I might act.
5. On a typical recent morning, how manageable has it been to begin your essential routine?
I have generally started it without unusual difficulty.
I have moved more slowly or postponed one part, but still managed the essentials.
I have repeatedly missed important tasks because getting started felt overwhelming.
I have been unable to manage basic needs or get out of bed without substantial help.
6. Which statement best describes recent changes in your sleep?
My sleep has been reasonably typical for me.
I have had an occasional restless night or slept somewhat differently.
I have regularly slept much more or less than usual, affecting my day.
Sleep loss or excessive sleeping has left me unable to function safely or meet basic needs.
7. Imagine you are talking with someone you usually feel close to. What has the interaction felt like lately?
I could feel present and emotionally connected during the conversation.
I felt somewhat distant at first but could reconnect as we talked.
I often felt separated from the person, even when I wanted closeness.
I felt frighteningly unreal, absent, or completely cut off from them.
8. When you think about what gives your life meaning, which response fits best right now?
I can identify people, commitments, or experiences that feel meaningful.
Meaning feels less clear than usual, but I can still identify some sources of it.
I often struggle to see meaning or imagine feeling connected again.
Life feels pointless, or that feeling has made continuing seem difficult.
9. How accessible have your emotions felt over the past two weeks?
I could recognize a range of emotions, even when some were uncomfortable.
My emotions sometimes felt muted, especially when tired or stressed.
I frequently felt numb or could not tell what I was feeling.
I felt profoundly numb or detached in a way that alarmed me or impaired my sense of reality.
10. During a quiet moment in the past two weeks, which description has most closely matched your inner experience?
I could generally feel connected to myself and what was happening.
I occasionally felt blank or detached, but the feeling passed.
A sense of emptiness kept returning and was difficult to shift.
The emptiness felt pervasive, unbearable, or made it hard to keep going.
11. If you needed human support today, which option best describes your access to it?
I can name someone or a service I would be willing and able to contact.
I know a possible person or service, but hesitation might delay me.
I am unsure who would be available or how to ask for the help I need.
I feel completely cut off from help while doubting my ability to remain safe.
12. If your distress became stronger tonight, how confident are you that you could remain physically safe?
I believe I could stay safe and use support if needed.
I expect I could stay safe, though I would benefit from using a coping plan or checking in with someone.
I am uncertain and think I need another person involved to help me stay safe.
I do not believe I can keep myself safe or need immediate intervention.
13. A friend or family member sends a message asking how you are. What are you most likely to do lately?
Respond in a way that feels natural for our relationship.
Take longer than usual, but eventually reply or reconnect.
Repeatedly avoid responding because contact feels draining or difficult.
Cut off contact while feeling unable to cope or at risk if left alone.
14. When handling a familiar task—such as reading instructions, studying, working, or paying a bill—what has your concentration been like?
I can usually focus about as well as I expect to.
I am somewhat more distractible but can finish with extra time.
I frequently lose track and leave necessary tasks incomplete.
My concentration is so impaired that I cannot safely manage essential responsibilities.
15. How have eating, washing, medication routines, or other basic self-care been going?
I have generally maintained the routines I need.
I have occasionally delayed or simplified them without a major consequence.
I have repeatedly skipped important self-care and am concerned about the effect.
I am currently unable to meet basic needs, have become physically unwell, or need immediate assistance.