Learned helplessness is the belief that you are completely powerless in the face of adversity. This psychological phenomenon occurs when you are repeatedly faced with adverse and uncontrollable situations that eventually lead you to believe that you have no control over your circumstances; even when you are presented with opportunities to control or escape the situation.
This behavior is visible in cases such as abusive relationships and bullying. Have you ever wondered why the abused person does not protect themselves or leave the relationship? Or why the abused person does not protect themselves and stop the bullying? It may be that the person repeatedly tried to defend themselves, leave and stop the abuse, but it did not work. Therefore, they learned that they do not have the power to affect their environment or influence the people around them. Constant negative experiences and the perception of a lack of control lead people to believe that they cannot change their circumstances and that no one will help them. This can be risky because learned helplessness will disrupt many areas of their lives.
Often, learned helplessness has negative implications for your understanding of the world and your appreciation of your position in it. Learned helplessness will be detrimental for your overall health and well-being. Living with the belief that you cannot protect yourself or stop harmful situations will generate feelings of vulnerability, dependency and low self-esteem. That lack of independence, trust, and self-esteem will influence your social life, love life, work performance, and academic success. This perception of absence of control has been linked to emotional and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. It has also been associated with physical conditions such as chronic stress, heart problems, and a weakened immune system.
Learned helplessness is not everlasting; with support, you can regain your sense of safety and self-determination. There are therapeutic interventions and settings that help you regain your sense of control and authority. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you reclaim a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy. It is through exercises that help you generate experiences in which you exercise your decision-making power and authority to make changes that the idea that you have the ability to improve your conditions is reinforced. Give yourself the opportunity to explore new ways of thinking and living.
As a final note – and to avoid confusion – it is also worth clarifying that learned helplessness is a psychological concept and should not be confused with real physical limitations.