Languishing: Mental Health’s Neglected Middle Child

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought focus on languishing—a condition of poor mental healthwithout clinical depression. This paper examines the concept of languishing, its definitions, theoretical models and possible repercussions if it lies unidentified. The Mental Health ContinuumModel, which distinguishes between flourishing, languishing, moderate mental health is where theidea of languishing is located. Studies indicate that depression may precede a state of languishing, underscoring the significance of this. Additionally, studies have linked languishing to positivityratios (the ratio of happy to negative emotions); a ratio less than 2.9 is associated with a higher riskof languishing. This research paper makes the case for a greater understanding of languishing, especially among young adults. Early detection can stop more serious mental health problemsfrom developing. By knowing the factors that contribute to languishing, educators and mental health specialists may better target their treatments and assist young individuals take the first stepstoward flourishing.