You’re not thriving, but you’re not quite depressedyou’re languishing.
In other words, you might be “languishing.”
We asked mental health experts for the key signs and helpful coping strategies for anyone who’s languishing.
What is languishing?
“It’s not sadness, but a lack of joy,” she says.
“It’s a neutral feeling of emptiness.”
It can also affect a person’s appetite and sleep.
“Some experience reduced appetite, whereas others tend to overeat to self-soothe,” Manly adds.
Dr. Metzger likes to use a thermometer analogy.
“Languishing is when we’re at zero degrees, neutralnot negative or positive.
Depression is when the temperature goes into the negative numbers.
These negatives include feelings of hopelessness.
Languishing is a feeling of nothing, and depression is a feeling of sadness,” she explains.
How to Cope With Languishing
Take small, actionable steps forward each day.
Reward yourself for every positive step forward.
Make plans that excite you.
Having things to look forward to is an underratedly important part of making life worth living.
Make a reservation at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try and text a friend to join you.
Get tickets to an upcoming comedy show.
Plan a weekend getaway or book a flight to visit your grandkids.
Find a way to be physically active every day.
Theres no getting around it:Exercise has been proven againand again as apowerful mood boosterand regulator.
On the flip side,lack of exercise has been linkedto poor mood and mental health.
If signing up for a new HIIT class motivates you to move, do it.
If that makes you want to crawl into a cave and hide, dont!
Find something else that works for you.
Movement is movement, and its fundamental for lifting you up both physically and mentally.
Reach out for positive, affirming assistance.
“Avoid the urge to hide your difficulties and challenges,” Manly says.
“We all need support when life gets rough.”
Do something kind for someone else.
Trying to cope with nagging blah feelings can be isolating and lead to internal ruminating thats ultimately counterproductive.
Find a more formal or recurring volunteer opportunity in your community for some structure and accountability.
Or simply think about small goods you’re free to do throughout the day for those around you.
Identify and incorporate joy into your life.
“Be very intentional in seeking joy,” she advises.
“Write down what brings you joy and incorporate it into your weekly routine.
It’s the only way to undo the languish by counteracting it with positive emotions.”
Connect with people you trust and love.
“Laughter and friendship can be very good antidotes.”
Go outside at some point every single day.
Find some time every day to be in nature or just to get natural light outside.
Acknowledge and validate your own experience.
Keyes CLM.The mental health continuum: from languishing to flourishing in life.J Health Soc Behav.
2002;43(2):207-222. doi:10.2307/3090197
