Even the smallest, seemingly insignificant steps are still steps.
Its taken me years to better manage my mental health.
I have experienced severe depressive episodes and near-daily panic attacks.
But theres an in-between state I could never identify.
Folks, it’s called languishing.
And it’s real.
According to clinical psychologist Dr. Manly, languishing often results from unremitting stress, disempowering experiences, and frustration.
Languishing can feel like a gray cloud of ‘blah’ has settled over you."
Those who are languishing now are likely feeling a lack of emotion, emptiness, and unmotivation."
Unsplash/Design by Tiana Crispino
[The] article in May of 2021gave a name to what many were and are feeling.
That spurred more conversations on the topic both on and offline."
Differences Between Languishing and Depression
It can be easy to mistake languishing for depression or even burnout.
But there are distinct differences between each.
Clinical depression tends to be unremitting and affects an individuals ability to engage in daily activities, says Manly.
But unlike depression, languishing lacks the element of hopelessness.
And, while languishing has a depressive quality to it, is often more temporary in nature.
When compared to burnout, languish doesnt imply an absence of energy, just direction and motivation.
Unsplash/Design by Tiana Crispino
Maybe these feelings feel familiar and you think youre in a state of languish.
You now have a more concrete concept for how youre feeling.
So, how do you address these feelings?
Pick something that feels funanddoable to begin with, such as taking a walk with a friend.
The goal is progressso take every single victory.
Even the smallest, seemingly insignificant steps are still steps.
Slow and steady progression accumulates over time.
Draw on positivity:Hafeez also recommends drawing on the positivity of your friendships.
Listening to the way they talk and view things will be helpful.
People who are ‘doers’under any circumstance always find constructive ways to stay busy."
Create a vision board:Manly suggests making a vision board.
Simply cut lively, compelling pictures from magazines or online resources and glue them on poster board.
Get involved:Hafeez recommends bringing more direction and purpose into your life with charity work or volunteering.
“When life has you in the doldrums, you likely feel undervalued and invisible,” she says.
“There are so many worthwhile charities that can use the time and skills you have.
Giving back to others will give you purpose and bolster your self-esteem.
Having a time and place to be somewhere will also give you a set routine.”
“Starting and completing something will give you a sense of purpose,” she says.
It’ll help that feeling of stagnation.
“There are more online workout platforms than ever before.
If youre in a rut, perhaps your workout is languishing as well.
Shake it up with a new method of fitness.”
Even the most empowered and ambitious of us experience it.
When you find yourself languishing, dont be hard on yourself.
And slowly, but surely, thingswillget better.
