Apathy, When Demotivation And Burnout Hold Us Back

They say that apathy is like a curse, that when it holds someone, it doesn’t let go. It blurs life, erases will and even feelings. It’s a mood in which lack of motivation collapses the mind and even the body aches. We lack energy and will, we are like prisoners of absolute physical and mental discouragement.

Most of us have felt this at some point. Is this a mood? Or is it a feeling? Is it an attitude towards life? It should be said that  apathy is a dimension formed by several areas,  because its impact, and this we feel in our own skin, reaches almost any fragment of our being. It’s demotivation, tiredness, disappointment, it’s sadness…

This kaleidoscope of psychic, emotional and physical processes is one of the most unpleasant situations we can experience in life. It’s like someone who puts his life on hold and is suspended in a strange dimension, where lack of initiative and even hope reigns. No one should be stuck in this situation longer than necessary,  so knowing the causes and how to manage apathy can be of great help.

What is apathy?

Apathy literally means “lack of feeling”. It may seem like an exaggeration, however, just remember the last time that apathy embraced us from head to toe to understand that even we would be surprised by the style of thinking that haunted our minds. “Nothing attracts my interest, everything is indifferent to me, whatever happens, nothing matters…”.

This insufferable lethargy is a condition that has a major cognitive impact. It distorts our focus, we are unable to focus attention, and even to retain data and information. However, the sphere in which apathy weighs most is on the affective and emotional level. So much so that people often wonder if what they are suffering from might be depression.

Regarding this doubt, two things should be clarified. Although depression sometimes ends in apathy, this is not always what happens. Not in all cases. We may have people diagnosed with a depressive disorder in which apathy does not appear. That is, apathy, by itself, is not a direct indicator of depression.

Therefore, every time we notice the presence of this uncomfortable companion, it is necessary that we invite her to leave as soon as possible. To do this, it  is important to know its origin, understand why it arises in some occasions in our lives.

What is the origin of apathy?

There is no single source of apathy. Its appearance may be due to several factors that, without a doubt, we must consider. They are as follows:

organic origin

• Anemia.
• Some infections.
• Weak immune system.
• States of deprivation due to poor nutrition.
• Lack of sleep.
• Lack of exercise.
• Thyroid problems.
• Possible onset of dementia. In fact, it should be taken into account that apathy is one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

• The presence of brain damage due to traumatic accidents  can also be the reason for the appearance of this low mood state.
• Problems with the functioning of our limbic system or the connection of the frontal cortex with the basal ganglia.
• Drug use.

Psychological problems

• Bipolar disorder.
• Major depression.
• Dysthymia.
• Times of intense anxiety.

Mental problems

Sometimes we are subjected to certain environments where we do not find any positive stimulus. Around us there are only unpleasant, stressful or even uninteresting stimuli. Living in surroundings with this type of insipid and empty narrative leads to a depressed thought and a state of apathy.

How to face apathy?

Once we’ve discarded the hypothesis that we have an organic problem, it’s time to put in place some exercises, strategies, and approaches to get rid of the apathy in our bodies and minds. Now, there’s a fact we can’t overlook:  no advice can help us if we can’t first change the way we think.

Regardless of what triggered this state of lethargy and lack of motivation, it is necessary to understand that what keeps us stuck is our focus, our perspective. Therefore, it  is essential to “fix” first what is in our mind, and not what is outside of it and that, in general, is beyond our control.

• The psychological therapy focused on cognitive restructuring can help us.
• Breaking our routines, starting new activities, changing environments, company, and finding different interests is one of the most effective strategies.

• Physical exercise, a balanced diet, contact with nature or practicing activities such as yoga or mindfulness  are, without a doubt, very correct answers.

In conclusion,  one way to eliminate apathy from our minds and hearts is to commit ourselves to life in a more creative way. Thus, exercises based on self-knowledge and the definition of more motivating goals and new objectives will be like windows on our horizon.