Feeling Helpless? Understand The Impact of Losing Control

That feeling of helplessness—it’s a heavy one, isn’t it? Right now, with everything happening, it’s normal to feel like control has slipped through our hands. For many of us, control has always been a way to feel safe, to know where we’re headed. But when the world becomes unpredictable, that sense of control can disappear in an instant.

Why We Feel So Helpless Right Now

Helplessness comes from feeling like nothing we do will make a difference. Psychologists call this “learned helplessness”—when we’re faced with things we can’t control again and again, our minds start to think, Why try at all?

This feeling of helplessness isn’t a weakness, though. It’s a response our minds develop to protect us from more disappointment. It’s your brain’s way of saying, “This is too much.” Right now, with so many things out of our control, feeling helpless is part of being human.

How to Cope When Helplessness Takes Over

Here are a few gentle ways to ease that feeling of helplessness. These aren’t meant to solve everything, but they might help you regain a little steadiness when life feels shaky.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel Helpless

Start by telling yourself it’s okay to feel this way. You don’t have to be strong all the time. Admit to yourself, Yes, I feel powerless right now, and let that be okay. Sometimes, just acknowledging the feeling can lessen its hold.

2. Focus on One Small Thing You Can Do Today

When everything feels out of control, small actions can help us find our footing. Pick one small, doable thing—a simple routine or a quick task—that you can complete. It might seem small, but it’s a reminder that you still have the power to choose and act.

3. Let Go of What You Can’t Control

Think of acceptance as making space. There’s so much we can’t control, and the mental energy spent trying to change the unchangeable only adds to the stress. Letting go of control is tough, but it also frees up space for things you can influence—like your thoughts and reactions.

4. Reach Out and Connect

Helplessness often feels isolating. Talking to someone you trust, sharing what you’re going through, can be a relief. Being heard reminds us that we don’t have to carry it all alone. Sometimes, just knowing someone else understands can make all the difference.

Remember, You’re Not Defined by This Feeling

This feeling of helplessness doesn’t define you—it’s a reaction to all that’s happening around you. Feeling this way is part of the human experience, especially when life becomes unpredictable and chaotic. But taking even the smallest steps toward what you can control can help you feel more grounded.

Moving Forward, One Step at a Time

In times like these, feeling helpless is something many of us share. But by allowing ourselves to feel it, focusing on the small things we can do, and leaning on each other, we can start to find steadiness even in uncertainty. Remember, you don’t have to fix everything right now. Just take it one small step at a time.