Running on Empty

by Dr. Jonice Webb

Self-Help

Psychology

Mental Health

227 Pages

"This book gave me words for feelings I've had my entire life—finally understanding what was missing changed everything."

Synopsis

Do you sometimes feel like you're just going through the motions in life? Do you often act fine when you secretly feel lonely and disconnected? Perhaps you have a good life, yet somehow it's not enough to make you happy. Or maybe you drink, eat, or risk too much in an attempt to feel something good. If any of this resonates, you are not alone—and you may be suffering from childhood emotional neglect. Dr. Jonice Webb, a practicing psychologist with over twenty years of experience, has successfully treated numerous patients who come to her believing something is fundamentally missing inside them. While many self-help books focus on what happened to you as a child—trauma, abuse, or dramatic events—Running on Empty addresses something far more invisible: the things that may not have happened for you. What goes unsaid, what cannot be remembered, and the emotional needs that went unmet can have profound consequences affecting you to this day. This informative guide helps you identify the signs of childhood emotional neglect and provides clear, actionable strategies for healing so you can become more connected and emotionally present in your life. The book also includes a special chapter designed for mental health professionals seeking to understand and treat this often-overlooked condition.

Our Take

Running on Empty is a groundbreaking work that names and addresses an issue millions of people struggle with but can't quite articulate. Dr. Webb's concept of Childhood Emotional Neglect fills a crucial gap in our understanding of psychological wounds—focusing not on what happened, but on what didn't happen. Her compassionate, accessible approach helps readers recognize patterns they may have carried for decades: feeling disconnected despite having a "good" life, struggling to identify emotions, or feeling fundamentally flawed without knowing why. What sets this book apart is its practical, actionable guidance. Webb doesn't just diagnose the problem; she provides concrete exercises and strategies for reconnecting with your emotional self and building healthier relationships. The writing is clear and validating without being clinical or overwhelming, making complex psychological concepts accessible to general readers. For those who found insight in The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk or Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, this book offers complementary perspective and healing tools. Essential reading for anyone who has ever felt inexplicably empty or disconnected, Running on Empty offers both explanation and hope for a more emotionally fulfilling life.