Languishing
A state of mental stagnation and emptiness characterized by a sense of joylessness and aimlessness without meeting the criteria for clinical depression.
Also known as: Mental Languishing, Psychological Languishing
Category: Well-Being & Happiness
Tags: well-being, mental-health, psychology, positive-psychology, emotions, flourishing
Explanation
Languishing is a psychological state that lies between flourishing and depression on the mental health spectrum. Coined by sociologist Corey Keyes, it describes a sense of stagnation, emptiness, and joylessness that many people experience without being clinically depressed.
People who are languishing aren't necessarily sad or hopeless, but they're not thriving either. They may feel hollow, unmotivated, or stuck. Life feels muted - nothing feels particularly bad, but nothing feels particularly good either. There's a persistent sense of 'blah' or 'meh' that pervades daily experience.
Languishing became particularly relevant during and after the COVID-19 pandemic when many people found themselves in this gray zone - not depressed but definitely not doing well. Psychologist Adam Grant's influential article in The New York Times brought widespread attention to this often-overlooked mental state.
Key characteristics of languishing include:
- Feeling empty or hollow rather than sad
- Lack of motivation and interest
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- A sense that life lacks meaning or purpose
- Going through the motions without engagement
- Neither thriving nor seriously struggling
The antidote to languishing is often found through flow states - becoming fully absorbed in activities that challenge and engage us. Setting small achievable goals, reconnecting with things that used to bring joy, and giving yourself uninterrupted time for deep engagement can help shift from languishing toward flourishing.
Recognizing languishing is important because it can be a risk factor for future mental health problems if left unaddressed. It's also valuable to have language for this experience - naming it helps normalize it and empowers people to take action.
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