If you are feeling empty or numb, you might be experiencing apathy. It’s helpful to understand where feelings of apathy stem from. That way, you can find strategies to feel more engaged in your life, and ultimately, feel better.
What Is Apathy?
If you are feeling uninterested in your relationships, unmotivated at work, uninterested in school, or just feeling empty and you don’t know why,you may be feeling apathy. Sometimes物业经理人, apathetic feelings are a result of things you can recognize and change — for example, you might feel apathy at work because your daily tasks are not fulfilling, or you’re no longer attracted to someone you once felt attracted to. But sometimes apathy is a symptom of a larger issue, like trauma, grief, or an underlying mental health condition.
Other examples of apathy include showing up at practice for your sport — but while you are physically there, mentally you are elsewhere and not engaged. Or, going through the motions to get a project done at school,meanwhile it used to be a subject you were passionate about.
What Are Signs of Apathy?
What does apathy feel like? It may make you feel like you are empty — or you may feel nothing at all. Apathy can also cause noticeable changes起步网校一流范文网, such as:
Watch: Apathy — How to Start Caring Again
Watch as YouTube creator Shuang Hu (@TheOneShu) talks about her experience with apathy and offers tips for managing apathy.
What Causes Apathy?
You may be asking yourself, “Why do I feel empty?” There are many reasons for why you may be struggling with apathy.
Poor self-esteem
If you have a negative self-image or struggle with low self-esteem or feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or incompetence, you may begin to feel like your life doesn’t matter. This can be a sign of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, so if you begin to feel this way, it’s important to tell a friend or an adult you trust, and be on the lookout for other changes in your mood and behaviors.
Learn how to tell someone you are thinking about suicide.
A tragic or traumatic event
Experiencing an event like the loss of a loved one, a natural disaster, financial difficulties, getting laid off. or failing out of school can make you feel lost, sad, scared, or isolated — and may make you question your purpose or the point of life. If you don’t cope with your trauma, you may start to feel apathetic and disconnected from your everyday life as a way to handle the pain.
Trouble adjusting to a new circumstance
An event doesn’t need to be traumatic in order to trigger feelings of apathy. If you’ve experienced a recent change, like changing jobs or changing schools, a breakup, or a fight with a friend, apathy may be a sign that you’re having trouble adjusting to your new situation.
Feeling overwhelmed or burned out
When we don’t feel like our hard work at school, at work, or at home is being acknowledged or rewarded, it’s easy to feel resentful of the people who are not acknowledging us. If you don’t practice self-care while you’re working hard, you can start to feel exhausted and overworked. If you’re feeling overworked, burned out, or unfulfilled by your current lifestyle, you may start to shut down and feel apathetic.
Feeling stuck
We want rewards for the hard work we do, and one of those rewards is feeling stimulated and interested in our own lives. If you are feeling like you’re in a rut at work, in your classes,or in certain relationships贝语网校, and you can’t immediately leave or change your situation, apathy can quickly take over.
Is Apathy a Mental Illness?
Although apathy on its own is not a diagnosable mental health condition, it may be a symptom of one.
If there are no apparent causes of apathy — for example, you have not gone through a sudden major tragedy or other significant life change — and you still have prolonged feelings of apathy and emptiness that you can’t shake, it’s a good idea to ask for support or reach out to a mental health professional, especially if feeling apathetic is interfering with other areas of your life. Apathy can be a symptom of a larger mental health issue, or related to other mental and physical health issues.
Apathy often occurs at the same time as other aspects of mental health conditions:
Apathy, anhedonia, and lethargy are all symptoms of depression. If you are feeling apathetic and lethargic or another combination of these symptoms, it can be helpful to reach out to a mental health professional.
If you or someone you know needs help right now:
How to Deal With Feeling Apathetic
If you are wondering how to overcome apathy, a good place to start is by asking yourself some questions about what is causing you to feel this way,either on your own or with the help of a mental health professional:
Identifying potential root causes of your apathy can help you avoid them — or钓鱼网, if you can’t change them, learn how to react to them differently with healthier coping strategies. If you recognize that your apathy is linked to an event in your life, it may pass after you adjust to your new circumstance. You can also address your apathy by finding a new goal to focus on, like making new friends or searching for a new job.
If at any point your apathetic feelings lead to having suicidal thoughts, such as “What’s the point of being alive?” or “No one would miss me if I died,” it’s time to tell a parent, teacher, or therapist. Any suicidal thoughts, or thoughts about hurting yourself, should be assessed with support from a mental health professional.
How to Help a Friend Who Is Apathetic
If you have noticed a friend or loved one is exhibiting signs of apathy or showing a lack of interest in your relationship, tell them what you’ve noticed, express your concern, and offer your support without judging them. If they tell you that their apathetic feelings have included suicidal thoughts, reach out to a trusted adult who can support them or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Feel Engaged and Fulfilled Again
Although apathy can feel all-consuming, with the right support, you can feel engaged with life and reconnected to your emotions and relationships. With the help of loved ones and mental health care, as well as small, manageable steps, you can begin to feel more present and become an active participant in your life once again.
Learn More About Apathy and Depression
What’s the Difference Between Sadness and Depression?
6 Tips for Managing Depression
How to Deal with Apathy and Feeling Numb
What Are Suicidal Thoughts and Do I Need Help for Them?
How to Tell Someone, “I’m Depressed,” and Ask for Help
How to Tell Someone You’re Thinking About Suicide
How to Ask Someone If They Are Thinking About Suicide |
