Overcoming learned helplessness and depression: Life is often described as a roller-coaster ride, filled by both moments of happiness and periods of emptiness. At times, we may find ourselves feeling stuck and helpless during challenging situations and transition phase of life, where we may feel helpless. Helplessness is a psychological state in which we feel unable to control or influence our real life situation. It can be a temporary state on mind and may not necessarily involve past memory or learning. In this state individual may sense fear of despair or left alone and believe “one has no power or strength to change their circumstances.”

On the other hand, learned helplessness is a psychological state, represents “where an individual learns to feel helpless after repeatedly experiencing situations in which they have no control or influence over the outcomes.” Learned helplessness results from repeated experiences that have taught the individual to believe they are helpless, even when they may have the ability to change the situation. This can leads to experiencing sense of powerlessness, lack of motivation, and difficulties in problem-solving abilities; reduce resilience, decreased self-esteem, and an increased vulnerability to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. This can significantly impact our mental health and well-being. Lets understand how to overcome from learned helplessness and depression.

It’s relation with Depression

Learned helplessness and depression are closely related. Individuals who experience learned helplessness often exhibit symptoms of depression, such as

• persistent sadness
• loss of interest
• low energy levels
• low self-esteem
• diminished interest in activities
• changes in appetite and sleep patterns,
• difficulty concentrating
• Sense of hopelessness.

Individual’s perception of being helpless can become deeply ingrained and contribute to a negative cycle of thoughts, emotions, behavior and further leads to depressive symptoms. Understanding overcoming symptoms of learned helplessness is crucial in reducing the risk of developing depression.

How to overcome from symptoms of learned helplessness and depression. How psychotherapy can help?

With the help of psychotherapy, you can embark on a transformative journey towards regaining control over your life again. A psychologist and psychotherapy can help in many ways.

1. Provide a supportive environment: Psychotherapy provides “confidential” safe place for you to express your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without hesitation and judgment. This environment will develop trust and a sense of security, enable you to explore and address the root causes of your learned helplessness and depression.

2. Helps in Identifying negative thought patterns: Psychotherapy helps you to recognize negative and self-defeating thoughts that contribute to learned helplessness and depression. By becoming identification and aware of these patterns, you can develop yourselves with more positive and empowering beliefs.

3. Helps in developing coping technique: Psychotherapy equips you with effective coping strategies and practical tools to manage and overcome symptoms of learned helplessness and depression. These techniques may include stress management, mindfulness, relaxation exercises, problem-solving skills, and assertiveness training, among others. 

4. Helps in promoting self-reflection and self-awareness: Psychotherapy encourage you to explore your true emotions, past experiences, and underlying factors contributing to the symptoms of learned helplessness and depression. This process of self-reflection and self-awareness helps you to gain insight into your deeper self, your behavior, thought patterns, and helps helps in enable to develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving in certain challenging situation of life. 

5. Helps in enhancing resilience and self-esteem: By addressing learned helplessness, psychotherapy helps you to develop resilience and improve your self-esteem. Therapy sessions often focus on empowering and helping you in recognize your strengths, build self-confidence, and develop a positive outlook on life. 

6. Providing emotional support and guidance: Psychotherapy offers you a compassionate and understanding therapist who can provide emotional support and guidance throughout your journey of overcoming learned helplessness and associated symptoms. This support can be invaluable in challenging times and can provide you the motivation and encouragement to continue with the life process. 

Overcoming learned helplessness and depression: Above are few ways in which psychotherapy can help you to overcome from symptoms of learned helplessness and depression. The application of evidence based specific techniques and approaches may vary and depending on the individuals need. kindly consult your mental health professional. Talk to your psychologist.

If you are experiencing any mental health issue, or know someone, who is suffering. Seek Professional Help and talk to your mental health expert.  Your mental health care is our priority. Your life is precious; take care of yourself and family. You are not alone. We are standing by you. Life is beautiful. Live it fully. Say yes to life. Welcome to life.

Live Again India Mental Wellness

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