In the quiet moments of my everyday life, apathy would creep in, draining away my enthusiasm until I felt like a mere shell of myself. It was a familiar scene—lost in the glow of my phone screen, endlessly scrolling, but feeling nothing. The irony wasn’t lost on me; despite being constantly connected, I felt profoundly disconnected from the world around me and from my own emotions. It was as if I was floating through life, merely going through the motions without really experiencing it.

Digging deeper, I realized that my long hours of  screen usage weren’t just a habit; they were a shield, protecting me from deeper anxieties and traumas lurking beneath the surface. The ‘functional freeze’ described perfectly the emotional paralysis I was experiencing, which is quite common with people who are grappling with past traumas and C-PTSD (Complex-PTSD). It wasn’t laziness—it was an overwhelming flood of emotions that my mind simply couldn’t process anymore, leaving me feeling stuck and numb.

But breaking free from apathy isn’t easy—it requires a willingness to make intentional changes and seek help. Cutting back on screen time, particularly before bed, was a crucial first step in reclaiming my emotional vitality. I also made a conscious effort to reintroduce activities that once brought me joy and peace, like immersing myself in a good book, writing, running or practicing yoga. Therapy is also a great tool, as I found a safe space to unpack the layers behind my apathy and learn valuable coping strategies to navigate the emotional turbulence within me. However, the real turning point for me was my faith. 

It’s been a slow and often challenging journey, but with each step forward, I feel myself reconnecting with the vibrant life I was given, reclaiming parts of myself that I thought were lost. Overcoming apathy isn’t just about regaining a sense of enthusiasm; it’s about rediscovering the full spectrum of human experience, one emotion at a time. It is a challenge that comes and goes depending on the season I am in but I’m grateful for every moment of growth and healing along the way. 

As usual, I want to leave you with 7 practical tips to help you ground yourself in those apathetic moments and get out of it:

• Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of the air filling your lungs and then slowly releasing it. This can help calm your mind and bring your focus back to the present.
• Engage Your Senses: Pay attention to your surroundings by noticing the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and even tastes around you. This sensory awareness can help anchor you in the present moment.
• Mindful Movement: Engage in gentle physical activities like stretching, walking, or yoga. Pay close attention to the sensations in your body as you move, helping to shift your focus away from apathy. I usually force myself to go for a run if I can’t seem to snap out of it, it really helps to move.
• Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings, even if they seem disconnected or unimportant. Journaling can help you process your emotions and gain clarity on what might be contributing to your apathy.
• Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors, whether it’s taking a walk in the park, sitting under a tree, or simply feeling the sun on your face. Nature has a grounding effect and can help shift your perspective.
• Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself and practice self-compassion. Acknowledge that apathetic feelings are valid and understandable, and remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can.
• Reach Out for Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support. Sometimes, just talking about how you’re feeling can help alleviate apathy and provide a sense of connection.
• And for those of you who believe in God, this should be step 1: PRAY. Prayer changes things, it either changes your situation or it changes you.

By incorporating some of these grounding techniques into your daily life, you can better navigate apathetic moments and gradually reconnect with your emotions, the present moment and your sense of purpose. You are not alone, and you can break free from apathy and walk into your beautiful purposeful life, if you choose to.

“He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains. Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.”

Psalm 107: 14-15