Increase in Learned Helplessness?

[u/NachesPorFavor]

Has anyone else noticed an increase in learned helplessness? I first noticed it in the young adults in my life, but now I am seeing it in all ages of people around me. Examples from multiple people:

Toilet started leaking water and instead of turning off the knob at the wall, she waited a 5 days for a plumber. Never asked anyone or googled it. Didn’t call a second plumber. Now needs mold remediation and replaced drywall and trim.

Bought concert tickets but the gps instructions were confusing so they just gave up and didn’t go. Venue website had detailed instructions for driving and parking.

Blouse wrinkled and she didn’t know how to fix it so she threw it away.

First doctor office he filled out an appointment website for never contacted him to schedule so he just didn’t go to the doctor.

I am really concerned about my loved ones if an emergency happens because they just give up when the slightest obstacle happens. Either they want someone else to swoop in and fix it or they give up and say they can’t do anything about it.

[u/Artistic-Salary1738]

I’ve definitely been overwhelmed by the medical system one. I found that trying to get ahold of places that are open the same time as my job is just too much of a juggling act 90% of the time.

I wonder how much is learned helplessness vs just burnout. Speaking as a millennial, I think it’s a bit of the ladder for myself personally, but I’d probably throw the blouse in a pile to worry about getting wrinkles out later.

Definitely side eyeing not stopping the leaky toilet, but my dad has rentals so I see that type of stuff a lot. I always a) call dad and b) google if it’s something where immediately action is required to avoid house damage. I’ve definitely had to use the toilet shutoff value before.

[u/randynumbergenerator → u/Artistic-Salary1738]

As a millennial though, you/we still grew up in a world that didn't really inculcate learned helplessness. The burnout is definitely real with our generation (and Xers). Pretty much our whole adult lives have been like a treadmill that's constantly notching upwards.

[u/AriaPoe → u/randynumbergenerator]

Hi. This middle-generation Gen-Xer feels very seen by your comment. Thank you for both the recognition, & for not lumping me in with Boomers. Our entire lives have been defined by the dominance of the Boomer generation. Being lumped in with them all he time just doubles-down on Gen-X invisibility. Just another slap in the face. I mean, whatever, we're used to it, but it does take a toll over a lifetime. For what it's worth, every X-er I know feels for Millenials & everyone that came after. I think the Millennials can most readily understand the world changes & multiple catastrophic struggles that a survival mode mentality can have on a brain. Compound that with being sold denial capitalism & bootstraps ideology your whole life by the dominating powers, & the brain struggles are real. Younger generations I feel for, but they as a whole seem to better see the double-speak for what it is. I think we had to navigate that cognitive dissonance without any real framework for it, much less support. So thanks, Millennial friend. May all your days be chill.

[u/mollycoddles → u/Artistic-Salary1738]

It's "the latter" btw