7 habits of a woman who has quietly given up on life, says psychology

I’ve always been fascinated with human behavior – the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens. As the founder of Hack Spirit and an ardent psychology enthusiast, I’ve spent years delving into the complexities of human emotions and responses.

One thing I’ve come to realize is that surrender isn’t always as obvious as we think. Sometimes, it’s quiet, almost imperceptible. And often, it’s women who bear this silent struggle.

A few years ago, during a particularly challenging phase, I found myself observing these subtle signs in my own behavior. The joy seemed to have slipped away, replaced by habits that suggested I had quietly given up on life.

It was a shock to the system but also a wake-up call. It led me down a path of self-discovery and healing, of understanding those 7 habits that are often tell-tale signs of a woman who’s silently resigning herself to her circumstances.

In this article, I’ll be sharing these habits with you. My hope is that they serve as red flags, helping others before they find themselves in too deep. Let’s dive in.

1) Withdrawal from social interactions

Psychology tells us that one of the initial signs of someone quietly giving up on life is a sudden or gradual withdrawal from social interactions.

In my case, I noticed I was turning down invitations more frequently. I preferred staying home, cocooned in my own thoughts rather than stepping out into the world. The prospect of human interaction seemed too exhausting, too overwhelming.

This retreat into solitude isn’t about enjoying some quality alone time, which can be a healthy practice. Instead, it’s a deeper disengagement, a detachment from the world and relationships that once mattered.

If you find yourself preferring isolation over interaction consistently, take notice. It’s not about forcing yourself to socialize, but rather recognizing this change in behavior as a possible sign that you’re quietly resigning from life.

Remember, it’s okay to seek help, to reach out to someone you trust or to a mental health professional. This journey doesn’t have to be walked alone.

2) Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities

I’ve always been an avid reader. Books were my escape, my adventure, my solace. But during that challenging phase, I found my interest in reading waning. I would stare at a page for hours, unable to focus or connect with the words.

This loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed is a classic sign, says psychology. It’s like the color slowly drains out of your world and everything becomes gray and uninteresting.

Famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.” I believe this includes accepting the difficult emotions and recognizing the changes within us.

In my case, accepting that I had lost interest in something I loved was hard. But acknowledging it was the first step towards seeking help and eventually rediscovering my love for literature.

If you find yourself losing interest in things that once brought joy, it’s crucial to acknowledge this change without judgment. And remember, there’s no shame in asking for help.

3) Neglecting personal care

I’ve always been someone who took pride in my appearance. Not in a vain way, but in a way that made me feel good about myself. I saw it as a form of self-respect.

But during that difficult period, I started to let things slide. I would go days without bothering to dress up or even brush my hair. I stopped working out, and my meals were mostly takeaways.

It wasn’t that I didn’t care about how I looked to others; it was more like I had stopped caring about myself.

This neglect of personal care is often a sign that a person is losing their will to engage with life. It’s like a slow fade out, where the motivation to take care of oneself dwindles day by day.

If you find yourself in this situation, try to take small steps towards self-care. It might feel difficult at first, but taking care of your physical health can often help improve your mental well-being.

4) Increased irritability and frustration

I remember a time when the simplest things would set me off. The traffic on my way to work, a spilled cup of coffee, a delayed email response – everything seemed to trigger a disproportionate amount of frustration and irritability.

According to a study conducted by the University of Cambridge, increased irritability is often linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

The researchers concluded that people experiencing these conditions often have a lower tolerance for stress, leading to heightened feelings of anger and frustration.

Looking back, I can see how my own heightened irritability was a cry for help, a sign that I was struggling internally. Recognizing this pattern in your own behavior can be a crucial step towards seeking help and finding healthier ways to cope with stress.

5) Persistent feelings of hopelessness

There was a time when I woke up each morning with a heavy sense of hopelessness. It felt like I was stuck in a deep pit with no way out. The future seemed bleak, and I couldn’t visualize anything positive or uplifting.

These persistent feelings of hopelessness and despair are often a sign of someone quietly giving up on life. It’s like being caught in a never-ending cycle of negative thoughts and emotions.

I remember the struggle to break free from this cycle. It felt almost impossible at the time. But with professional help, self-care practices, and the support of loved ones, I managed to slowly climb out of that pit.

If you find yourself grappling with similar feelings, please reach out to someone. You don’t have to navigate these dark waters alone. 

6) Difficulty in making decisions

During that challenging phase of my life, even the simplest decisions seemed monumental. I would spend hours deliberating on what to eat for dinner or which route to take to work. It was as if my ability to make decisions had deserted me.

This difficulty in decision-making is often a sign of someone quietly giving up on life, according to psychologists.

When you’re silently struggling, the ability to step forward seems to elude you. You’re stuck in a cycle of indecision and second-guessing.

In my case, I recognized this as a sign that I needed help. With patience, therapy, and time, I slowly regained my confidence in making decisions.

If you find yourself continually second-guessing or unable to make decisions, take it as a sign that you may need to seek help. It’s not a sign of weakness but an opportunity for growth and healing.

7) Smiling too much

You might find this surprising, but during my struggles, I often found myself smiling more, not less. It was as if I was using my smile as a mask to hide my internal turmoil.

Psychologists have found that people who are quietly giving up on life sometimes overcompensate by appearing overly cheerful or positive. It’s a defense mechanism, an attempt to convince others and perhaps themselves that everything is fine.

In reality, this over-smiling can be a sign of emotional exhaustion and a cry for help.

If you find yourself constantly putting on a cheerful facade, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself if you’re genuinely happy or just hiding behind your smile.

It’s okay not to be okay. You don’t always have to put on a brave face. Letting your guard down and sharing your true feelings with someone you trust can be an important first step toward healing.

Practical tip: Try journaling about your feelings. Writing it down can provide clarity and help you understand what you’re truly feeling beneath the surface. It’s a small but powerful step towards self-awareness and healing.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs when someone, including yourself, is quietly giving up on life is the first step towards change and healing. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to seek help and that you’re not alone in your struggles.

If you’re experiencing any of these 7 habits, take it as a signal to reach out to someone you trust or a mental health professional.

A piece of practical advice: Start by taking small steps towards self-care. This could be anything from a five-minute meditation in the morning to writing about your feelings in a journal.

Every step forward, no matter how small, is significant.

There’s no shame in acknowledging that you’re struggling. In fact, it takes great courage to face your feelings head-on and seek help. Remember, it’s not about how we fall in life, but how we get back up that truly defines us.