HELPLESSNESS & VICTIMHOOD
AT MAGNOLIA COUNSELING OF PEARLAND
ARE YOU TIRED OF ALWAYS FEELING HELPLESS?
Being unable to react to a negative situation is a normal part of life, particularly when you have been affected by an illness or traumatic event. However, the general feeling of helplessness may persist beyond the span of the initial problem, making one feel powerless in all aspects of life. This is known as helplessness or victimhood, which is not classified as a distinct disorder yet may signify the early stages of major depression.
Magnolia Counseling of Pearland consists of highly trained and experienced providers of helplessness and victimhood counseling. Our team is here to help you develop awareness of the problem and guide you toward a successful recovery.
WHAT IS HELPLESSNESS?
Helplessness can stem from a variety of personal and environmental factors: stress, isolation, trauma or grief. An individual who experienced a serious car accident might find it difficult to get back behind the wheel, while an individual with depression might find it impossible to get up in the morning and face the day.
Feigned helplessness is a common tool for manipulation. Some individuals continually seek help from others to elicit sympathy or attention, and/or as a way to alleviate feelings of loneliness or abandonment.
WHAT IS VICTIMHOOD?
Similar to helplessness, victimhood is defined as the perpetual state of feeling victimized. It can stem from a lack of control over one’s life, loss of a sense of self-worth, as well as vulnerability. Sufferers believe that they are incompetent at handling life’s challenges, are incapable to accept responsibility for their actions, and feel that the world owes them something.
Victimhood is also a common tool for manipulation, where the affected individual displays learned behaviors that manipulate others into nurturing them. This can cause one to become excessively dependent on caregivers and authority figures.
WHEN HELPLESSNESS / VICTIMHOOD BECOMES UNHEALTHY
When an individual is exposed to a negative situation for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to the development of negative beliefs about their abilities and a tendency for self-blame. As the situation spirals out of control, the affected individual stops fighting back and becomes a victim. This is known as learned helplessness. Without appropriate intervention, learned helplessness can cause a major disruption to your daily activities, significantly lowering self-esteem and deterrent from taking the necessary risks to improve your life. Left untreated, it can also contribute to clinical depression and other mental health problems.
HELPLESSNESS & VICTIMHOOD THERAPY
Individuals who feel helpless or victimized can greatly benefit from therapy: Speaking with a trained professional can expose the root of the problem, be it trauma, fear or dysfunctional relationships with parents or authority figures during childhood. Once we determine the root cause, therapy can help you let go of your fears, accept responsibility for your life, and take steps toward forming a healthy response to negative situations.
Magnolia Counseling of Pearland offers a proactive approach to overcoming helplessness and victimhood through open communication and support. You can regain control of your life and cease being a victim. If you are experiencing feelings of helplessness and victimhood, please contact us today.