Helpless not Hopeless

What is Learned Helplessness? a condition in which a person suffers from a sense of powerlessness, arising from a traumatic event or persistent failure to succeed. It is thought to be one of the underlying causes of depression. This condition is usually temporary, but for others it’s a leading cause of depression. It’s not a trait one can be born with, it develops over time, typically caused by a traumatic event or the constant inability to succeed, as the definition states.

“Learned helplessness occurs when an animal is repeatedly subjected to an aversive stimulus that it cannot escape. Eventually, the animal will stop trying to avoid the stimulus and behave as if it is utterly helpless to change the situation.” (Kendra Cherry)

Animals behave in a way nearly identical to humans in this situation. At some point, wave after wave of constant abuse, or unsuccessfulness the person shuts down and gives up. Because in his or her mind, what is the point of trying to get away or succeed when it’s obvious that he or she can’t. Men, women and children can all experience learned helplessness if the