Learned Helplessness

[Chocomom63]

I saw this term on another thread and I'd never heard of it before.  I looked it up and I think it's something I've lived with for a long time.  What can you tell me about it and can it be unlearned (recovered from?).

 

 

Edited June 21, 2016 by Chocomom63

[Bluegoat]

I do think people can unlearn it.  Recognizing it when you are reacting that way seems to me to be a huge step in making a change.

[gardenmom5]

I saw this term on another thread and I'd never heard of it before.  I looked it up and I think it's something I've lived with for a long time.  What can you tell me about it and can it be unlearned (recovered from?).

 

It can be unlearned.  it requires awareness and determination.   you aren't just "unlearning what you have learned" - you have to learn a healthy way of doing things.  so, there are two things you have to do.

 

it is much easier if you can  get help to learn the healthier traits that "learned helplessness" undermines and destroys.  I would have made much faster progress if I'd sought professional counseling with someone who was familiar with it.

[momacacia]

I first heard of learned helplessness in the book "Learned optimism. It is quite able to plow through, lots of research at cetera I guess I was only so interested in it, but it does address the issue.

[Chocomom63]

Our library has the book "Learned Optimism" so I will check that out today.  

 

Edited because I'm not sure I wanted to say all that.  Sorry.  

Edited June 21, 2016 by Chocomom63