“Learned helplessness”

"Learned helplessness" is a psychological condition in which many of us feel powerless to change our circumstances due to repeated failures or negative experiences.

So in the context of Supported Self-Management (SSM), learned helplessness can potentially play a role. SSM emphasises empowerment, autonomy, and the active involvement of people in managing our own health conditions. The goal is to provide support and resources that enable is to take control and make informed decisions about our health.

However, if we have experienced past failures in managing our health—such as unsuccessful attempts to make lifestyle changes or a lack of support—they may develop a sense of helplessness. This can lead to disengagement from self-management efforts, making it difficult for us to participate actively in our own care.

To counteract learned helplessness in supported self-management, strategies could be really useful, such as:

1. Positive Reinforcement:

Celebrating small successes can boost confidence our and motivation.

2. Developing our skills:

Providing education and training can help individuals feel more competent in managing their health.

3. Social Support:

Building a supportive community can reduce our feelings of isolation and helplessness.

4. Goal Setting:

Encouraging realistic and achievable goals can foster a sense of agency and success.

So, to sum up while learned helplessness can be a barrier to an effective self-management plan, appropriate support, resources, and strategies can help us overcome these feelings and engage meaningfully in managing our health outcomes.

#inspireselfmgt selfmgtliving #prehab #pssmw27 #livingwellskillz #paintoolkitacademy