Languishing

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When we think of mental health, we think of a spectrum. On one end of this spectrum lies flourishing- a state of thriving and bliss; on the other is depression marked by hopelessness and sadness. But often, we fail to look at what lies right in the middle of this spectrum; languishing.

Languishing can be simply perceived as the neglected middle child of mental health. Researchers and pop culture enthusiasts alike, talk in depth about both ends of the spectrum, but the middle child is just overlooked.

Okay, it is established that there is a mid-lying entity on the mental health spectrum. But what is it, really? Languishing, the term coined by sociologist Corey Keyes, is a pervasive feeling of “blahness” that dulls one’s motivation. It entails a sense of emptiness and stagnation.

So, while you may not be sad, you won’t be thriving either. Remember how during the pandemic we just spend hours watching re-runs of Friends, even though we were aware of everything that happens in the show? That was languishing, one of the most commonly experienced emotions of the pandemic. We are all stuck at home, trying to make sense of the calamity that has struck our lives. In general, there was an atmosphere of aimlessness and joylessness.

While we’re all moving into a post-pandemic world, the remnants of the pandemic may not leave so soon.

Symptoms of Languishing

The thing with languishing is that it is not so easy to recognize. The void, that languishing is, is not characterized by full-blown symptoms of a mental illness. But again, it is not a pitch-perfect state either. Some of the symptoms of languishing can be:

• Your motivation levels are low.                                                                                                                                                            

 • Your ability to focus is dulled.

• You’re not functioning at full capacity.

• A general absence of well-being, even when you’re not sick.

• Engagement in aversive behaviors just to break the blah feeling.

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Why is it so crucial to recognize languishing? Research conducted in the domain suggests that the people most likely to experience major depression and anxiety disorders in the next decade aren’t the ones with those symptoms today. They’re the people who are languishing right now.

Furthermore, this state can make forming and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships a challenge. And all of this, in turn, can just push one into an endless loop of languishing.

How to move away from languishing?‍

Luckily, languishing is not a permanent state. We can indeed move from the middle of the spectrum to the good side, flourishing. Another good news is that flourishing too can be attained with intentional and consistent practice. Popular psychologist, Martin Seligman coined the term PERMA as a way to move from languishing to flourishing.

P: Positive emotions

E: Engagement

R: Relationship

M: Meaning

A: Accomplishment

There are vital skills that are associated with PERMA. The ways that truly predispose us to a state of languishing are not learned overnight. They are a product of years of habits. In order to break out of these unhealthy ones, and move to their healthier counterparts, a coach can be useful.

A coach can help us recognize the patterns of our unhealthy behaviors, guide us into newer practices, and maintain a sense of accountability. Remember, while languishing can be your present circumstance, it doesn’t have to be your future too. With the right support and skills, you can, truly, be the best version of yourself.

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