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3 Damaging Behaviors That Affect Your Mental Well-Being
Poor behavior thrives unchecked, especially on social media, where meanness is rewarded with likes and shares. And then there are some in need of our attention.
Apathy
Apathy drains life of its color, leaving a person indifferent to their own agency or the needs of others. The apathetic barely engage, showing no interest in creating positive change or forming meaningful connections.
Often the inverse of empathy, apathy manifests as emotional emptiness. It can stem from mental health conditions like depression, schizophrenia, or dementia. In its extreme form, known as avolition, apathy becomes a complete inability to act or care, common in severe disorders like PTSD or traumatic brain injuries.
During the pandemic, caregivers often faced the challenge of pulling loved ones out of apathy — encouraging conversation, puzzles, or reading. For some, this worked. For others with volition, the disconnect was far more profound.
On the other hand, empathy nurtures connection. Lifestyle changes, goal-setting, and small, positive activities can chip away at apathy and restore agency. A drop in dopamine, the neurotransmitter tied to motivation, often accompanies symptoms like staying in bed all day or withdrawing from loved ones. Recognizing these signs is…
