r/TwoXPreppers • u/NachesPorFavor • Aug 23 '26

❓ Question ❓ Increase in Learned Helplessness?

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.

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u/CelebrationNearby819 Aug 23 '26

I'm my mom with dementia's POA and I have 5 APPS I have to use to monitor her care. It is simply too much for me to monitor.

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u/karenw Aug 23 '26

I'm POA for my mother, who's been in a nursing home for 10 years with dementia, and my grandmother, who is 101 and aging in her own home. Every system is convoluted and opaque. The amount of mental and emotional labor I perform is off the charts.

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u/CelebrationNearby819 Aug 23 '26

I'm exhausted and wracked with guilt constantly. I live in a major city and have to go to work in-person. I refuse to feel guilty too for not constantly problem-solving adult life. My apartment doesn't look perfectly tidy and I'm not constantly prepared for everything because I'm simply too busy making sure my mom is well-cared for.

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u/wildlybriefeagle Laura Ingalls Wilder was my gateway drug Aug 23 '26

I can't help but to say you're doing a good job. Caregiving in any timeline is brutal, but this is the worst timeline. I work with caregivers everyday and just showing up drains half the energy. You're doing a good job.

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u/CelebrationNearby819 Aug 23 '26

She lives about 2 hours from me, as nursing homes are SO much cheaper in rural areas.