Have you ever felt stuck in a situation—despite knowing deep down that change might be possible? That invisible wall might be something called learned helplessness.
Learned helplessness is a psychological phenomenon where people (or even animals) stop trying to improve their circumstances after repeated failures or negative experiences. First discovered by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier in the 1960s, this mindset develops when individuals believe their actions no longer affect outcomes, even when opportunities for success reappear.
For example, a student who continually fails math tests may stop studying altogether, convinced they’re simply “bad at math”—even when new help or resources are available. Over time, this pattern can affect motivation, mental health, and overall well-being.
But here’s the good news: learned helplessness isn’t permanent. Recognizing the pattern is the first step. Rebuilding self-efficacy—through encouragement, small wins, and reframing failure as part of learning—can slowly shift the mindset from helplessness to resilience.
Remember: Your past doesn’t define your potential. The ability to act—and improve—often begins with believing that you can.