Learned helplessness occurs when an individual continuously faces a negative, uncontrollable situation and stops trying to change their circumstances, even when they have the ability to do so. For example, a smoker may repeatedly try and fail to quit. He may grow frustrated and come to believe that nothing he does will help, and therefore, he stops trying altogether. The perception that one cannot
What Is Learned Helplessness? (Plain Language Explanation)
Learned Helplessness refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Learned Helplessness
- Symptoms: The specific ways learned helplessness shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen learned helplessness
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When learned helplessness occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Learned Helplessness
- Learned Helplessness is far more common than most people realize
- Learned Helplessness is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with learned helplessness see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about learned helplessness is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing learned helplessness, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.