Apathy is a lack of emotions and motivation in a person. Learn about how apathy impacts mental health and ways to treat it.
Have you ever experienced a phase of complete detachment from everything happening in the world around you? You may feel a lack of emotions, motivation, or excitement. These are signs of being apathetic. Apathy means a state in which a person feels devoid of feelings or emotion, contrary to feelings of passion or enthusiasm. When there is a lack of drive within you to lead a fulfilled life, this indifference can directly impact your motivation levels, leading to a life full of monotony. Additionally, apathy can impact your mental health.
What is apathy?
Apathy is not a diagnosis but a symptom or a state where a person may exhibit a regular range of emotions such as sadness, happiness, or irritation. The person may appear disconnected from people or situations around them and may not engage in daily routine life activities, as previously been functionally engaged, explains psychologist Geetika Kapoor. When you feel apathetic, you may:
• Stop displaying interest in your daily tasks, hobbies, or personal interests.
• Find it hard to show interest and attachment in your relationships.
• Not feel like spending time with others.
• Experience a lack of emotions or mood swings.
Feelings of apathy intensify during times of extreme stress. However, if it becomes persistent, it may start affecting your everyday life and well-being. It could also be a result of certain medical or mental health conditions which, if not treated properly, can worsen apathy.
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Signs of apathy
Apathy can manifest due to underlying medical conditions or result from responses to transient life situations. Therefore, it is important to seek medical evaluation when a person exhibits signs of apathy, rather than assuming it to be transient. The duration of apathy symptoms also matters. Generally, any symptom lasting more than a month should receive medical attention and be assessed.
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Some common signs of apathy include:
• Lack of expression of a regular range of emotions
• Lack of interest in people and situations around them
• Diminished participation in day-to-day activities or to a lesser capacity
• Indifference to own or other people’s illness
• Fatigue
• Loss of pleasure in things you usually cherished
• A tendency to be more isolated
• Issues with planning or solving problems
Also read: Serotonin vs dopamine: Know the difference between the two happy hormones
Types of apathy
Authors of a 2017 study created the Apathy-Motivation Index and used the responses of participants to help categorize three different types of apathy:
1. Behavioral apathy
When experiencing behavioral apathy, you are less likely to show interest, motivation, or initiate any goal-directed daily activities on your own.
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2. Social apathy
Social apathy is described as a reduction in a person’s initiative in proposing or engaging in social activities or interactions, according to a study.
3. Emotional apathy
You feel a deep void within you that causes a lack of emotions. You might feel indifferent towards daily happenings in your life and might not care if your words or actions upset others.
Also read: Fatigue has a major impact on your motivation levels, finds study
What causes apathy?
Apathy might not have a clear cause, but it can happen due to life conditions or because an individual may be experiencing a certain mental or physical health condition. Experts highlight some main causes of apathy:
1. Medical causes
Neurological and biological reasons could cause apathy. Health conditions that may lead to apathy include Alzheimer’s disease, depression, schizophrenia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or vascular dementia, among others.
2. Psychological trauma
Exposure to life- or emotionally-threatening situations can leave people feeling terrified. Emotional numbness can be a common response which helps people protect themselves from overwhelming feelings and ongoing threats.
3. Prolonged social, professional, or personal stress
Extended struggles in social, professional, or personal areas can lead to a state of emotional overwhelm and burnout. Similar to responses to trauma, a person may unknowingly withdraw inwardly to shield themselves from stressors, shares psychologist Geeta Kapoor.
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How is apathy diagnosed?
Since apathy is not a medical condition but a feeling that could result from various life scenarios, any therapist or mental health expert can help identify the causes by recognizing the symptoms you might be experiencing. However, in neurodegenerative conditions, healthcare professionals measure apathy using certain criteria.
This may include a loss of motivation, where you show little to no interest in connecting with others or spend more time contemplating, or performing daily tasks. The expert may also evaluate the impact of apathy on the quality of your life since this feeling of indifference or detachment can negatively affect your work, relationships, or overall life.
How is apathy treated?
Once apathy is recognized and acknowledged, it can be treated using various methods.
1. Medical evaluation
If you exhibit symptoms of apathy for more than 4 weeks, some tests such as blood tests, mental status exam, genetic tests, brain imaging, and neurological exams can be conducted to properly diagnose it after consulting a mental health expert.
2. Seek help from a therapist
In the case of psychological trauma or stressful exposure, seek intervention from a therapist, suggests the expert. Cognitive stimulation therapy that involves group participation in games or other activities can stimulate brain waves. Additionally, art or music therapies can help individuals connect with their emotions, boosting positive feelings and instilling motivation in apathetic people.
3. Care from loved ones
A supportive network comprising close friends and family can help you regain interest in life. It can be beneficial to share your feelings with them. When your loved ones are aware that you are experiencing apathy, they will understand your indifferent behavior and not take it personally. Family and friends should accept the person’s need for withdrawal and not question the rationality of their behavior.
“Creating a less stimulating and calming environment with loved ones or healthcare professionals may help a person feel safe. Family and friends should avoid pressuring the individual to take on expected responsibilities. Efforts should aim to comprehend and approach circumstances from the person’s perspective,” advises the expert.
4. Lifestyle changes
Apathetic individuals can make adjustments to their lifestyle. This can be done independently, even without the assistance of a therapist. Change is natural, so focus on embracing apathy by directing your efforts towards what can be done now to improve. Try going out to places you enjoy, eating foods that make you happy, spending time with people you connect with, or trying something entirely new!