Learned Helplessness
Learned helplessness is a psychological response to repeated failure or stress. After being in situations where your actions didn’t lead to success or relief, you begin to believe that nothing you do will work — even in new situations where success is actually possible. It’s not about being lazy or unmotivated — it’s about being human. When we face repeated setbacks, our brain sometimes tries to "protect" us by convincing us not to try again.
But that “protection” can turn into a prison.
This concept was first discovered by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier in the 1960s through experiments with animals — but it also applies to humans in real life.
How This Happens in Real Life
People experience learned helplessness in different ways:
In School:
A student keeps failing math tests despite studying. Eventually, they stop trying because they believe they’re “just bad at math.”
At Work:
An employee suggests ideas, but they’re always ignored. Over time, they stop speaking up — they assume no one will listen anyway.
In Relationships:
A person who’s constantly criticized or put down may stop standing up for themselves, believing they don’t deserve respect.
With Mental Health:
People suffering from anxiety or depression may feel that no matter what they do, things won’t get better — which can make them avoid seeking help.
Why Is Learned Helplessness a Problem?
It can lead to:
Low self-confidence
Depression or anxiety
Lack of motivation
Giving up easily in the face of problems
Failure to take opportunities, even when they’re available
People get stuck, even when change is possible.
So, What Can We Do?
The good news is that learned helplessness can be unlearned.
Recognize it: Awareness is the first step. Ask yourself: Am I giving up because of past experiences — or because the situation is truly hopeless?
Take small steps: Start with achievable goals. Small wins rebuild belief in ourselves.
Ask for help: Whether from a friend, teacher, mentor, or therapist — support can make a huge difference.
Change the story: Challenge the inner voice that says “Why bother?” with one that says, “What if this time is different?”
Though there are many valuable articles to learn about learned helplessness and why this is important, we can recommend you to start reading here.