How do you deal with academic inertia and learned helplessness in learning?

Good day.

I'm not sure what stage of your studies you're at, and I'm not in a position to say whether this advice will be effective for you, so let's just talk about it! In my experience, I've dealt with learned helplessness mainly in people in their second or third year of high school.

In this type of personal handling, it seems that a lot of the pressure comes from the parents. It may even be a habit formed because of the pressure from the parents.

If you find yourself in this situation, you might want to consider trying this plan.

It might be helpful to set a goal for yourself and take a break from studying for a while. Try to choose a goal that is achievable but meaningful to you.

Secondly, it would be beneficial to set a goal that is both enjoyable and beneficial to your health. It should require learning, but this can be achieved in a relatively short period of time.

(Here, you only need a beginner's knowledge, not excellence or mastery.) Many people have found this to be the best approach.

Third, after completing a small goal, it may be helpful to formulate another goal plan repeatedly for more than five times, and to engage in this process for three months.

Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, once the aforementioned three points have been achieved, it may be beneficial to take some time to reflect.

Could I suggest that you consider what the common thread in this learning process might be, or the novel feeling for the individual? (I would advise against going into the planning process with a problem, but rather with a playful mindset.)

Following this, you may find that your perception of learning shifts, which could be beneficial.

Hello, dear questioner! I'm Belle.

You worked so hard to get into graduate school! But you're struggling with depression/22-years-old-recently-my-mind-has-been-in-a-mess-my-attitude-is-getting-worse-and-worse-i-have-no-motivation-to-go-to-work-20761.html" target="_blank">motivation in your studies. You've gone through so many big exams and feel really tired. It's hard to find joy in learning. You really want to change things, and you've tried to give yourself a break for more than half a month, but you're still feeling stuck. You're not sure how to make a breakthrough.

It's so important to take your medication as prescribed, especially when you're dealing with depression. I'm wondering if you ever miss a dose or forget to take it?

It's so important to take your medication as prescribed, as it will have a certain medication cycle. I really hope you can take it on time and recover soon.

It's totally normal to feel a lack of motivation in your studies, especially when you're going through a rough patch. It's a physical impact that can lead to some psychological and behavioral changes. You might feel like there's no joy or gain in your studies, and everything seems difficult. It's okay to feel torn between wanting to change and not wanting to change. It's a typical situation in which depression can occur—rumination.

So, how can we make some changes?

Give yourself a big hug and accept all the wonderful things about yourself, even the parts you don't like so much.

You know, the fact that you were able to get into graduate school shows that your intelligence and abilities are really good. So, don't be too hard on yourself. Perhaps your current academic situation is not as good as in the past, for example, you can no longer get a scholarship, or you are at the bottom of the class. You can lower your expectations of your studies, such as graduating on time if possible. Then, first make sure that you don't fail your major exams.

It's time to set some achievable small goals and start taking action!

Start by going to bed early and waking up early. It's totally normal to still think about things every day, so take an hour out of your day to do nothing and just read quietly or go to the canteen for a good meal. You could also go for a walk for an hour. It's a great way to clear your mind and feel more relaxed.

3. Depression is not unhappiness, but a lack of motivation.

Depression can make you feel so weak that you can't do anything, and this can cause many plans to be delayed. When you feel powerless, it's easy to fall into self-doubt and denial, which can drag you into a low emotional state. This is why it's so important to give yourself more affirmation during these times. Remember, these situations are temporary, and a correct understanding of depression can also help you accept your current situation more.

We really think you'd benefit from reading the book Rewiring the Brain: How to Use Neuroscience to Overcome Depression. It also contains lots of great suggestions for making positive changes to your behaviour.

Good morning, I hope this message finds you well. I am contacting you today regarding a question you posed. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. Best regards,

From your description, I understand that you are experiencing feelings of helplessness, confusion, and self-doubt. I want to reassure you that I am here to support you. At the same time, you have a very good ability to perceive yourself. When you perceive that you have this uncomfortable emotion, you face it bravely and actively look for ways to solve the problem. This is a positive step.

You have described how you have experienced major exams, and even after passing them, you still feel no joy. During your postgraduate studies, your grades have not improved significantly, and you are also somewhat apprehensive about exams. You have been unable to adjust your motivation, which makes you feel very confused. Is that correct?

I would like to inquire as to what events may have transpired to result in your current emotional state.

Please describe the sources of strength that support you in this challenging situation.

You have taken the initiative to seek assistance, and you are already on the path to change. I would like to encourage you to consider what your life would be like if you were to imagine a scenario in which this uncomfortable feeling disappeared.

Your success in gaining admission to graduate school demonstrates your ability to work hard and excel in your field. You may be competing with many highly qualified individuals at this level, which can lead to feelings of pressure. When you allow yourself to become less focused, you may experience discomfort, which can result in internal conflict. Is this a fair assessment?

I am unaware of the specifics of your situation, but based on your description, I have some suggestions that I hope will be of assistance.

Firstly, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a professional counselor.

You indicated in your description that you are also taking medication. At this time, I recommend that you seek the guidance of a professional counselor. They will utilize their professional skills to guide us, delve into the root causes in our subconscious, facilitate healing, and establish a safe and inclusive environment where we can gradually grow and develop.

Secondly, it is important to learn to accept the current situation.

Frequently, stress results from an inability to accept the current situation. There is a tendency to resist the status quo, which in turn leads to a desire to improve oneself. When improvement is not achieved, self-doubting thoughts emerge, which in turn lead to self-negation and internal conflict. It is therefore necessary to accept the current situation and allow oneself to be ordinary and unremarkable. This will enable a state of peace and calm, which in turn facilitates healing and reconciliation, and helps to overcome the uncomfortable feeling.

It is also beneficial to seek out positive experiences.

It is important to note that everyone experiences negative emotions and a certain amount of stress. When these emotions arise, it is crucial to recognize them and then shift one's focus to positive experiences. I highly recommend reading "The Brain Code of Happiness," which provides valuable insights on how to identify and cultivate positive experiences. It is essential to allocate more time to positive experiences and less time to negative ones, such as dwelling on past mistakes. It is also important to understand that negative emotions will not disappear immediately. This approach allows for a gradual shift in perspective and a more balanced emotional state.

The next step is to learn how to release negative emotions.

It is important to note that negative emotions are not uncommon. However, prolonged negative emotions can have a detrimental impact on both our mental and physical well-being. One effective method for alleviating these emotions is through exercise, as it releases dopamine into the brain, providing a sense of pleasure and helping to reduce anxiety while increasing excitement.

Finally, cultivate self-belief.

Everyone is unique, and everyone has their own area of expertise. It is important to believe in oneself and one's abilities. It is possible to overcome negative emotions. Believing in oneself is a key factor in this process. One can use positive mental suggestions to adjust breathing, keep a diary, and employ other methods to write more positive content. Believing in one's abilities is crucial to success.

Finally, I would like to reassure you that it is acceptable to ask questions and express concerns. Your willingness to seek guidance demonstrates a commendable level of awareness. All queries serve as valuable resources, prompting us to persist in our pursuit of knowledge. Life offers opportunities for healing to those who are open to it. You have made commendable progress. I have confidence in your abilities, and I encourage you to have faith in yourself. Should you encounter any challenges, you can always turn to this platform. My colleagues and I are available to provide support and guidance.

Greetings. I am an aged and experienced individual, having traversed a well-worn path.

It is not uncommon for individuals to experience a period of disillusionment with learning during their academic tenure. During my own undergraduate studies, I recall a prevalent sentiment among my peers, encapsulated in the saying that "a university is not complete without skipping classes, failing subjects, and being in a relationship."

I can comprehend the sentiments expressed by the questioner. Despite the discrepancy in academic qualifications, the majority of students undergo a comparable learning experience. They have encountered instances of self-doubt, periods of despondency, and occasions when they were reluctant to pursue their studies.

As a postgraduate student, the questioner has undoubtedly demonstrated superior academic performance compared to many college students. He is the source of pride for his parents and the object of admiration among his university classmates.

From this perspective, the questioner is exemplary and worthy of emulation. It would be unwise for them to disparage themselves unduly and instead focus on identifying their own strengths.

The following sources of stress have been identified:

- Pressure from comparisons with classmates. Compared with their current classmates, they may perceive themselves to be of a lesser caliber, which may give rise to feelings of self-doubt.

The questioner also reported experiencing pressure from self-comparison. He indicated that during his graduate studies, he consistently ranked at the lowest level of the class, never received a scholarship, and even failed some courses. It is possible that the individual in university performed exceptionally well, which led to the questioner's dissatisfaction with his academic performance in graduate school.

- Excessive expectations. The discrepancy between aspirations and reality frequently engenders pessimism and depression, even to the point of contemplating abandoning one's efforts.

Absence of positive reinforcement. Prolonged exertion of effort on a single task without any tangible rewards can result in a loss of motivation.

Depression can affect an individual's sense of self-worth and self-esteem, leading to feelings of low mood and self-rejection. When coupled with the realization that the outcomes of their efforts do not align with expectations, it can result in a sense of doubt and self-doubt.

Once the situation has been analyzed, a solution can be sought.

Firstly, it is recommended that the questioner becomes aware of their current state, the factors that have produced it, and the results they will face. This will enable them to build up their psychological strength. At this stage, it may be helpful for the questioner to read "Mr. Toad Goes to the Psychiatrist" in order to gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

Additionally, the questioner may wish to consider seeking advice from a professional counselor, who can assist in facilitating the process of moving forward.

Secondly, it is essential to accept oneself. Only through a willingness to reconcile with oneself can one accept one's imperfect self and actively engage in the process of change.

Third, it is essential to objectively recognize one's own strengths and weaknesses, and to focus on building on one's strengths while avoiding one's weaknesses. It is crucial to avoid excessive self-negation, as this can lead to a negative self-perception.

Fourth, it is advisable to consider the potential consequences of immediate action. Due to the recent lack of clarity regarding job planning in the company, there is a reluctance to attend work on a daily basis. However, upon reflection, it is possible to ascertain that there are benefits to returning to work gradually.

Fifth, establish objectives that are readily attainable before progressing to more challenging ones. It is challenging to maintain motivation when the effort required seems insurmountable. Therefore, it is beneficial to set incremental goals and receive consistent positive reinforcement, which enhances motivation.

A sixth recommendation is to engage in regular walks in natural environments. These experiences can impart a sense of vitality and energy, which may enhance one's motivation to pursue positive change.

The aforementioned suggestions are presented for your consideration. Best regards,