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Apathy is a state of decreased ability to feel emotions and decreased sensitivity to stimuli. This could have many reasons. They are associated with both physical illnesses and mental disorders and illnesses. Ways to combat apathy depend, first, on the cause of its occurrence. However, psychological support and psychotherapy play a vital role in therapy.
Apathy – what is it?
Apathy is a mental condition in which the ability to feel emotions and sensitivity to various types of stimuli is absent or reduced. The dominant feeling is indifference. People experiencing apathy stop experiencing pleasure even from activities that were previously pleasure and a way to relax. A person with apathy shows indifference to both negative and positive life events. Apathy is also characterized by a reluctance to undertake any activity. Such people often withdraw from public life, do not maintain relationships with other people, and avoid establishing new ones. Lack of motivation to act and bad mood force these people to limit their needs to a minimum level, and their actions are based on the principle of automaticity. Apathy is one of the symptoms of depression.
Apathy – symptoms
The following symptoms are characteristic of apathy:
- loss of the ability to feel and express emotions,
- feeling of constant fatigue,
- difficulty falling asleep,
- waking up at night,
- excessive sleepiness,
- decrease in concentration,
- withdrawal from public life,
- limitation of physical activity,
- narrowing of interests,
- feeling of resignation,
- lack of motivation to act,
- difficulties performing everyday activities,
- problems with fulfilling one’s obligations,
- indifference.
Apathy – reasons
Apathy can occur as a result of traumatic events, such as a serious car accident, serious illness, or the death of a loved one. However, it is worth remembering that each person has a different level of sensitivity. For this reason, trauma is a subjective concept and will mean something different to each person. Another reason is severe, chronic stress, which can be caused by issues at work, overwork, or personal issues. The fast pace of life, overstimulation, constant lack of time and the inability to relieve emotional stress contribute to the emergence of apathy.
This condition can also be the result of poor diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Both a lack of physical activity and excessive physical activity can lead to apathy.
Elderly people are especially susceptible to apathy. This is due, among other things, to delayed psychomotor development associated with age, many diseases, and often with the experience of chronic pain.
Apathy – heaviness
One of the symptoms of apathy is heaviness, both mental and physical. People experiencing apathy have difficulty concentrating, taking initiative in action, and being physically active. They typically limit their actions to automaticity.
Apathy in children
Apathy is a condition that can affect people of all ages. This can also happen in children. Apathy in children can be caused by various types of diseases, both chronic and infectious. Emotional problems can also lead to apathy. They are usually associated with difficult situations at school, at home or in interactions with peers.
Apathy in an infant
Apathy in an infant should always be a warning sign. It typically accompanies various types of diseases. Apathy in an infant can be caused by fever, runny nose, diarrhea, or even anemia. Any change in the child’s behavior is a signal to carefully monitor the baby. If you notice a deterioration in your child’s condition, do not delay contacting a doctor.
Sexual apathy
Sexual apathy is manifested by a decrease or complete absence of desire to engage in sexual activity. Its causes are often prosaic: fatigue, stress, alcohol abuse, poor diet or too little physical activity. However, sexual apathy may indicate more serious health problems, both physical and mental.
Apathy – how to treat it?
If apathy is a short-term condition and occurs primarily due to excessive stress and overload, we can usually cope with it on our own. The most important thing is to find time to rest and recuperate, and maintain a balance between your professional and personal life.
If the state of apathy lasts more than ten days, you should seek professional help and consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. Treatment methods for the symptom of apathy depend primarily on the cause that caused it. An important element in the fight against a long-term state of apathy is psychological support and psychotherapy
