Can You Overcome Apathy?

nicolemarzt
Jun 27
3 min read

Apathy refers to a lack of emotional connection. When someone feels apathetic, they generally report a sense of numbness or a complete lack of motivation. Apathy can coincide with mental health conditions, including depression, substance use disorders, schizophrenia, and more. It can also show up in times of grief or when recovering from extreme trauma. Sometimes apathy accompanies underlying medical issues, including Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

That said, regardless of your specific circumstances, understanding apathy means trusting that your symptoms are not inherently permanent. It is possible to experience positive emotions again, and you can reawaken your sense of meaning and purpose.

Understand What's Underneath the Apathy

Although apathetic feelings often feel like a complete state, it's more likely that the 'flatness' is masking other feelings or needs. This is especially true in cases of student or situational apathy.

For example, you might be extremely burnt out at work, but it's showing up as a total disconnect with coworkers or even close family members. Or you might be deeply grieving a significant loss, and the apathy is essentially covering your sadness or fear.

But instead of rushing to understand what might be going on, consider gently asking yourself:

"What other feelings might be existing right now?"
"What sensations do I notice in my body?"
"Could I possibly be feeling (sad, ashamed, angry, afraid) in this moment?"

Other present or lingering feelings, when acknowledged non-judgmentally, sometimes shift the state of stuckness.

Recognize the Self-Protection Apathy Offers

Apathy often arises as a shield. When the nervous system feels overloaded by negative emotions, it might automatically turn down the volume on your emotional experience altogether.

This isn't a form of failure. Instead, it's your body striving to adapt and survive. Your body is trying to protect you from further discomfort or pain.

It may be helpful to simply name what's happening: "I might be feeling shut down because I've gone through so much," or, "This isn't failure. It's just a lack of having adequate resources to cope right now."

Connect with Purpose Through Your Values

Apathy sucks motivation, making it hard for people to move through everyday life or achieve meaningful goals. Falling behind, of course, can make apathy worse, reinforcing a negative cycle. However, changes to daily activities should be gradual and connected to your core values.

You can start by:

Spending just 5-10 minutes engaging in a task that you previously enjoyed
Sending a message to a loved one, even just to show that you're around
Tackling 2-3 items that have long been overdue on your to-do list

The point isn't about feeling good right away. Instead, these efforts are about showing up and embracing small micro-moments toward change.

Aim to Stay Anchored to Support

Persistent apathy often drives isolation, and this just perpetuates further distress. To offset the loneliness, commit to finding one person or support group to check in with regularly.

It could be a caring friend, your partner, or a trusted mental health professional. This person should be able to offer you a sense of shared presence and encourage you to practice self-care.

At the very least, this support should 'hold space' for your negative thoughts and needs. With this person, you shouldn't feel the need to explain yourself or mask how you feel. Being witnessed is powerful, and spending time with people who can care for you unconditionally is an important part of any recovery.

Prioritize Curiosity Over Joy Right Now

If you feel persistently numb, happiness or excitement may be unrealistic. However, curiosity might still be accessible. So, instead of forcing yourself to "feel better," try leaning more into novelty and wonder. It may be as simple as reading a book outside of your preferred genre or trying a new restaurant for lunch.

Novelty interrupts patterns of 'numbness' by providing your brain the opportunity to register new things. This can have mildly positive effects on your low mood, especially if you start connecting with some of those slight changes.

Challenge Your Inner Critic With Empathy

Although it may sound paradoxical, meeting apathy syndrome with a sense of self-compassion may significantly reduce the suffering you experience. When you're struggling with your mental health, it's more important than ever to be kind to yourself.

This can look like internally saying:

"I'm doing the best I can and trust that this will not last forever."
"I'm not being lazy- I'm struggling with fatigue or overwhelm."
"I've been through so much, and I allow myself grace to rest."
"I can get through my daily tasks even if I don't feel motivated to do them."

Treatment For Apathy and Other Mental Health Struggles

At Resurface Group, we know just how much apathy can erode your well-being. Our evidence-based treatment focuses on integrating therapy, peer support, and lifestyle changes to help you feel more connected to yourself.