Are You Languishing?

I fully satisfy the weary soul and replenish every languishing and sorrowful person.
– Jeremiah 31: 25

Throughout the pandemic there have been different words and trendy phrases used to describe it and its affects like unprecedented, pivoting, pandemic fatigue, uncertain times, zoomed out, we are all in this together, and the new normal to name just a few. We identify with these terms because they help define our common experience. Languishing is a more recent term that is surfacing to describe what many people are experiencing now after more than a year of Covid. And yet, the word itself isn’t new.

Languishing is a term coined by a medical health expert in 2002 as part of the mental health continuum. Languishing is a place on the continuum somewhere between feeling really great and depression. Although the idea of languishing may be new for some of us, medical health experts indicate it may be a chronic condition and prevailing emotion in 2021 for many people. However, languishing is different from depression.

Depression is that dark pit that many people, including me, know very well. It is prolonged, we feel hopeless, worthless and may even want to give up. Languishing is a form of suffering, but it isn’t as deep as depression. Languishing is more a sense of stagnation, dulled motivation, and lack of passion or excitement about the future. If you are languishing, you still have energy and you aren’t experiencing burnout, but you are definitely not feeling really great; you are not flourishing, enjoying life, experiencing wellness or functioning well.

I think I have been languishing at different times over this past year. On numerous occasions when asked how I am doing I have struggled to find the words to honestly express how I really am. There are times I haven’t been feeling really great, but I haven’t been in the pit of depression either. This month numerous articles have been published in newspapers, blogs, and mental health websites about languishing. As I read some of them, they caught my attention. It’s a term that describes how I have been feeling at times and has helped to define my experience. Reading that others are feeling the same helped me know that I am not alone.

So back to my question. Are you languishing? Perhaps some of us have been or still are languishing. It is understandable after living with Covid conditions and the world events that have unfolded this past year; but those may not be the only reasons. Most of us are also struggling with pre-existing personal issues and/or facing new hardships that have surfaced this past year as well. I think it is safe to say that with everything combined, some of us may be languishing.  And so, what if we are?

If you want the “just do this” or “quick fix” answer, I don’t have it. I can only speak from my experience and offer you some perspective points that I hope will help.

1. We need to face our reality. If we are struggling, we need to admit it. Hold up the mirror and don’t deny what you see or ignore how you are feeling. Be honest with yourself, with God and someone you trust.
2. Don’t give up – be determined to fight and ask God for help. I know easy to say, but hard to do if you are languishing; I get it. I am not suggesting it is easy, but it is possible. Ask God to help you have a determined mindset to fight and not give up – it is critical.
3. We can’t fight alone so don’t isolate. We desperately need God and the support of others, so do whatever is necessary to stay connected to both.
4. Renew our mind. I speak from experience when I say it is easier to focus on the negative when languishing, which is why it is important to be intentional to renew our mind. Focus daily on what is positive, good and true and choose to be thankful.
5. Put whatever support is needed in place. This may involve seeing a doctor, a therapist, or a pastor. It may involve reading material, self-care, connecting regularly with a trusted friend for accountability and apply what we are learning step by step at Celebrate Recovery. 

It is important to do whatever it takes to grow through these challenging times so that with God’s help and the support of others we can move increasingly forward into a place of wellbeing and abundant living.

About the Author

Glenda DeVries is on staff with Compass Point as our Pastor of Care and Recovery

She has journeyed through her own struggles with depression and works with others through our Celebrate Recovery Program, which offers weekly support, accountability and teaching so we can be strengthened as we intentionally apply what we learn no matter what we are facing.

Follow Our Celebrate Recovery Page

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