Learned helplessness uniquely hinders one’s ability to cope with depression and other mental problems as it is hard to detect, and a learned behavior/belief.
Throughout my experience with helping others as a volunteer-peer counsellor, I have noticed that in situations where people – teens in particular – feel passive to their struggles, i.e social isolation in school, difficult relations with their family, grades, or issues with mental health, it seems to commonly be related to feeling resigned following prolonged difficulty in life and subjected to continual challenges in the face of unsuccessful attempts to regain control.
When people seek help for mental health issues, the typical treatment usually consists of lifestyle changes as a first-line, then psychotherapy and/or medication. The reasoning behind this is that lifestyle changes are considered prevention measures and helpful; while avoiding issues with relying on or unnecessarily starting clinical treatment.
Unfortunately, when the first mode of treatment which is repeatedly advised to people depression: “things that are within your control,” continually does not work, the mental effects can be remarkably damaging. It directly conflicts with self-esteem, independence, and positive thinking both gradually, and passively. Because it is an internal issue, it is difficult for some to combat as some realize it well after development, and it can significantly compound the pre-existing symptoms associated with depression.
Thus, because it is a thought pattern and attitude, many won’t find it as problematic unless they’re very self-reflective into their own mental health, or are at a significant milestone in treatment. When a person becomes resigned to their condition, it further increases the difficulty of practicing healthy habits like exercise, socialization, and generally being able to fully confront mood or life issues.
In my personal experience, learned helplessness developed as a consequence of my co-morbid chronic depression and ADHD diagnosis where despite prolonged attempts at making extensive lifestyle habits to account for my health and mindfulness, nothing changed. The condition was internal, affected me in every area of my life, and only seemed to respond to medications.
However, I am in the process of going through different medication treatments to find one that works long-term without its affects subsiding.
For me, it is my depressive condition itself where despite everything I change to be healthy and mindful, my mood continues to be dependent on medications and my psychological treatment.
In the end, everyone’s situation is different. I’d be happy to hear if someone can relate or find some part of them in these postings, perhaps finding it helps; but I am merely one person.
More information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learned_helplessness#Foundation_of_research_and_theory #The theory and research behind it is very interesting and goes much more in-depth than what I’ve discussed.
