Yes!! I get anxious about any change in my life. And not like normal anxiety it’s panic and irrational fear.

I understand Kisses. It's a terrifying experience. May we both find a way to move forward. Big hugs.

I have another definition for learned helplessness pertaining to my son who does nothing. For practically his whole life in school he was in special education classes. The teacher aids, the special education teacher would for the most part do the work for him...So He Learned To Be Helpless so he'd get attention...I call this negative attention. Because of this, and you know he has aspergers as your son, he does little to push himself....sadly I wonder if he will ever grow up, he is moving forward as he lives in a supported home, has a case manager and they are 'talking' about getting a job....recently he's had a lot of serious health issues so that put everything on the back burner.

I'm very sorry your son is having health issues. May he get better soon.
I wasn't in special ed. in school. Because of my mom's drinking, I had to take care of myself. I think mine came from having experienced so many traumatic experiences in my life, I figure bad things are going to happen to me so. I'm scared to do things. It's a terrible feeling.

I have. I pretty much have a rotten work history. So, work wise, I really failed. Ever since college. I could never hold a job, I got ganged up on by co-workers because I tried to be their friend. I am not a home owner, have never been married, uhm... so yea.. Never a long relationship.

An old friend once told me, don't say too much personal stuff at work. I never listened to that.

I think breakthroughs are possible.... i really do. Hang in there. Having this awareness is a giant leap. Hugs to you.

Big hug for you Jennifer..... I have been pretty helpless when in a depression.... I do believe that we can adopt a way to be in the world and that therapy can help you work though this.... I'm glad that you're going to talk with your therapist.... xo

Hi Jenn....so much in life hurts, God knows of the terrible events which take place on this earth and to people....sometimes reading or hearing what is happening is so scary and so hard to take in....Since John left home, I've been alone, I don't do well alone, and like you I've lost my confidence. I spend most of my days inside and doing little...it's not a live, just surviving each day...seems like this might be how you are feeling??? I've been told sometimes I dont take the 'step' because I'm afraid to fail....""this is a thought"", and thoughts can be untrue...I do hope your thoughts of yourself and capabilities are just that...thoughts and you will find something to do that brings you purpose and meaning to your life...Hugs xox

Learned helplessness also has a negative connotation because it can be used as an excuse for why some people don't or can't get their stuff together (as in blaming the victim). Rather than looking at the entire picture of what is and has gone on their entire lives, it is sometimes used to blame others who are in marginalized populations or to say these people are never going to amount to anything. So I have trouble with this one. For example, if one has a mental illness, the excuse that the patient has learned helplessness can be a way to not provide proper services or create a governmental policy to actually serve this population in a productive and successful way.

Hi Jenn,

I think anyone who has had a dance with depression has also had a dance with learned helplessness...It's taken me years to "get it." I have to really think about my day and what I need to get through it...

Sounds easy but it's anything but. I often don't even know what I need...Having a book to read while I wait for the bus, bringing along that thermos of tea to drink while I wait some more etc.

It's thinking of myself...something I rarely do! I suspect something most of us rarely do.

Thank you everyone. You have posted some very interesting replies. I didn't know so many of us has experienced this. I want to move forward and feel better. I can do this with therapy or more than one type of therapy. Also, being on the right medication combination.
Big hugs everyone.

Thank you Lady promise.