Strategies for Coping

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people experienced a wide range of emotions. These emotions shifted in intensity depending on the rising number of cases, the polarized discourse on social media and in the press, and the constant hope (never lost!) that one day life would return to some form of normality.

Among the most difficult emotions to handle are those we struggle to name. One of these is languishing.

We asked our psychologist and Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist Dr. Silvia Riva, who specialises in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to help us better understand this phenomenon.

What is Languishing?

The word languishing comes from the Latin languere, meaning weakness, listlessness, or lack of motivation. It describes a set of difficult-to-manage emotions. Though not a diagnosable mental disorder, languishing encompasses feelings of fear, anxiety, monotony, and emptiness.

After nearly two years spent away from loved ones and social contact—often in isolation and plagued by monotony—it is entirely normal to feel a sense of emptiness, lack of motivation, and uncertainty. Languishing is closely linked to the challenges of lockdowns and the direct or indirect experience of illness. Unfortunately, this unpleasant state can become chronic, manifesting as a persistent sense of stagnation or numbness.

What Are the Consequences?

Languishing undermines motivation, clouds our ability to concentrate, and makes us less effective at school or work. Its effects show up in various aspects of daily life:

  • Less desire to try new things
  • Little interest in making future plans
  • Negative thoughts about the future
  • Low expectations
  • Difficulty making decisions

When experiencing languishing, it can feel as though you’re watching your life from a train stuck at the station, while others continue to move forward.

Who Is at Risk?

We are all potentially susceptible to languishing. Recent studies have reported high levels of languishing in several professional groups, particularly among healthcare workers. However, the phenomenon is also spreading widely among adolescents and young adults, who have endured long periods of isolation and lack of social interaction.

What Can Be Done?

The first step is learning to recognize this unpleasant feeling. There are several warning signs to watch for:

  • Feeling more tired than usual
  • Skipping exercise routines
  • Putting off enjoyable activities like dinners out, chatting with friends, or weekend getaways
  • Withdrawing from people and life in general

In such situations, psychological support can be crucial. A professional can help shift your perspective, focus on present opportunities, and confront negative emotions.

Often, the key lies in accepting how we feel, and starting from there—without trying to control our thoughts or emotions unnecessarily. Acceptance can be the first step toward reclaiming our direction and vitality.