Boredom And Depression: Is There A Correlation With Mental Health?
Our approach to free time has changed over the years. With modern technology, we’ve become accustomed to having something to entertain us at all hours of the day and night. Still, there may be times when there isn’t anything to distract you or when you don’t have a source of stimulation. Some people may worry that this lack of interest or the tendency to seek out isolation may be a sign of a mental health condition like depression. Below, we’ll explore the five different types of boredom, the relationship between boredom and depression, and ways to address these challenges in a meaningful way.
Boredom and depression
While some children and adults living with depression may experience boredom, it doesn’t necessarily lead to depression. In certain cases, there is a bright side to boredom, with some individuals using it as motivation to rediscover a hobby, explore a new interest, reconnect with friends or family, put more effort in at school, or even pursue a new career path. However, for those who experience clinical depression, feeling constantly bored can be a slippery slope that eventually leads the brain to drift toward negative thoughts, potentially making the depression worse.
The risks of chronic sadness, loneliness, boredom and depression
Chronic boredom can become destructive over time if it’s not proactively addressed. It may even lead a person to rely on high-risk behaviors to occupy themselves. One common example of this behavior would be alcohol or drug misuse (sometimes incorrectly referred to as “alcohol or drug abuse”). Chronic boredom can also lead to risky sexual activity or addictive behaviors like gambling, shopping, or eating. In some cases, it can even lead to self-harm.*
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988 via phone call or text and is available 24/7.
Experiencing boredom sadness, boredom, and depression
Boredom proneness varies from person to person, and you can experience boredom in a variety of situations. Some examples of these situations include waiting for someone to pick you up from work, when you’re trying to fall asleep, and while you’re watching television. Most days, none of these instances are usually enough to ignite feelings of sadness, but they can be troubling to those who are already diagnosed with depression.
Apathetic boredom and its link to depression
There is a type of boredom that can lead to what researchers describe as a type of learned helplessness or depression: apathetic boredom. People experiencing apathetic boredom may experience difficulty finding anything interesting in life. They may feel flat and emotionless and experience symptoms of depression.
Understanding and treating depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is one of the most common mental health challenges, and it’s treatable. When you understand the cause of any depression or boredom you’re experiencing, and when you know your treatment options, you may find that you can learn to overcome it.
What is boredom?
Boredom is a psychological state experienced when an individual lacks motivation to engage in their usual hobbies or activities.
Other signs and symptoms of boredom include the following:
- A lack of interest in anything, either regularly or during brief intermittent periods
- Being unable to rest or relax, even when tired
- Feeling little to no excitement
- A lack of concern or interest in things that would normally be important
- Finding it difficult to stay motivated
Those who already have anxiety may be more prone to developing depression when they experience long periods of boredom. These individuals may be suppressing negative or frustrating thoughts already, so when free time arises, their minds can wander, and negative thoughts may become more frequent.
Types of boredom
Many individuals have experienced feeling bored with life at some point, but what type of boredom? Knowing the type of boredom you’re experiencing may help you to effectively counter it.
One study identified the different types of boredom and how they can manifest:
The five different types of boredom include the following:
- In some cases, an individual may feel like they are creating isolation in their life in order to feel calm and cut off from the world. This might be described as “relaxation” or being “in their bubble.”
- Another type is often described as a slightly unpleasant state of feeling bored with “wandering thoughts or not knowing what to do.”
- Described as a more agitated negative feeling, a third type of boredom prompts a person to actively search for relief by thinking about activities or tasks to engage in or by reaching out to another person.
- Some individuals experience reactant boredom, which tends to be characterized by elevated negative feelings of uneasiness and/or aggression. They may have a strong desire to escape feeling bored and be more likely to engage in alternative activities.
- Finally, others may be experiencing apathetic boredom, which may lead them to feel detached, experiencing low arousal or unpleasant feelings of learned helplessness and depression.
When to seek therapy and consult a mental health professional for boredom and depression
Some types of boredom may be temporary, and they may even feel restful. However, the last type can be particularly concerning, especially for individuals who are already prone to anxiety or depression. If these feelings persist or worsen, it may be time to seek the guidance of a mental health professional.
Depression
Depression can cause a wide range of cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms, including physical pain. Individuals may experience different symptoms from those of others who are diagnosed with depression, and boredom can be another symptom.
Also, all symptoms need not be present to warrant a diagnosis of clinical depression.
Below are some common signs of depression:
- Low or depressed mood and/or noticeable mood swings
- Loss of interest or pleasure in doing things that were once fulfilling
- Significant change or fluctuation in weight (excessive weight loss or gain)
- Decreased ability to focus or difficulty concentrating, especially for longer periods
- Increased feelings of fatigue, more days than not
- Decreased energy levels or lethargy
- Sleeping difficulties (not enough, too much, or interrupted sleep pattern)
- The thought that you “feel worthless” and other negative emotions
- Recurring thoughts of death
- Frequently feeling like life is hopeless
Depressive symptoms
- Depressive symptoms that appear to be causing significant stress
- Depressive symptoms that last longer than two weeks
While it can help to know the symptoms of depression, only licensed medical providers and mental health providers can provide a diagnosis. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms of depression, consider reaching out to a professional.
The importance of social support: Addressing bored and depressed feelings
In addition to therapy, you may find that you can reduce feelings of boredom and depression by interacting with others. It may be helpful to have a positive social support system in your life because seclusion may make depression worse. You can seek social support from family, friends, colleagues, or a community group.
Reducing boredom and enhancing mental health
There are numerous benefits to social support. Not only can it help to eliminate feelings of boredom, but it may also improve overall physical health and create feelings of stability and safety. People with strong social support may recover from stressful situations more quickly, enjoy improved feelings of self-esteem and self-confidence, maintain a healthier level of mental health and wellness, and find more joy and less boredom in everyday life.
Therapy for boredom and depression
If you’re experiencing boredom and/or symptoms of depression, you can speak with a licensed therapist about what you’re feeling. A licensed therapist may help you reframe your perspective and successfully navigate feelings of boredom.
Benefits of online therapy
However, if you’re experiencing boredom or depression, reaching out for help may seem like more trouble than it is worth. You may feel fatigued or lack the motivation to go out to in-person therapy appointments. If this is the case, online therapy may offer a feasible alternative. You can access online therapy via audio or video chat. You may also find that appointments can be more flexible with an online therapy platform.
The effectiveness of online therapy
The effectiveness of online therapy has been confirmed by numerous scholarly studies. One meta-analysis from 2022 found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce depression. Similar results have been observed for individuals with symptoms of anxiety.
BetterHelp can make seeking therapy and mental health treatment more convenient
Takeaway
How do boredom and loneliness affect depression?
Boredom can influence depression, both by exacerbating existing depressive symptoms and by contributing to their development, meaning boredom may be both a symptom and a risk factor for major depressive disorder. Boredom-prone individuals may also be more likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use and other reckless behaviors, which can also contribute to depressive symptoms.
A 2016 study on adolescent drinking patterns showed that boredom proneness may be a significant predictor of binge drinking in adolescents. Studies have also found that boredom proneness may mediate relations between the severity of depression and anxiety and the severity of problematic smartphone use.
Does depression make you get bored easily?
Boredom proneness is a complex trait that can be influenced by several factors. According to a 2021 article, individual differences in boredom proneness may be reflected in three characterizations: the frequency of boredom, the intensity of boredom, and overall perceived life boredom.
Research also shows that depression symptoms and boredom proneness, also referred to as trait boredom, may be strongly related. Individuals with higher trait boredom may be more prone to frequent feelings of boredom and may have difficulty tolerating those feelings when they occur.
A 2020 study explored the effects of boredom proneness on emotional distress during the COVID-19 outbreak, using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) scores as predictors and emotional distress as outcome variables. Boredom proneness was measured using the Short Boredom Proneness Scale (SBPS), which consists of eight items. Researchers found that higher perceived stress was connected to more emotional distress. Individuals with higher levels of boredom proneness also scored higher on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist, which measures anxiety and depression symptoms.
Previous studies also suggest that boredom proneness and depression share similar characteristics, including memory and attention difficulties, negative affect, low arousal, and low self-control. These characteristics may also extend to impulsivity, substance use, and social withdrawal.
What are some coping strategies to help people experiencing boredom and depression?
Coping with boredom proneness and depressive symptoms can be challenging, but certain strategies can help. For example, spending time with family and friends can benefit your mental health. You could also consider joining a community or faith-based group to meet people who might be experiencing feelings similar to yours.
Strategies for depressed and bored individuals
Lifestyle modifications, such as eating nutritious foods, engaging in regular exercise, and getting enough sleep, can also help individuals manage boredom proneness and reduce depression symptoms. Seeking support from a mental health professional can also help depressed and boredom-prone individuals develop healthy coping strategies to manage daily life stressors and improve their well-being.
How do boredom and depression affect your mental health?
A 2012 article published in Perspectives on Psychological Science suggests that an individual experiencing boredom has an unengaged mind, defining boredom as an unfulfilled desire to engage in satisfying activity. This lack of engagement may potentially trigger negative thought patterns, including internally focused rumination and catastrophizing, which can worsen an individual’s mental health. A 2010 study on the effects of boredom proneness on cognitive function suggests that boredom proneness may be one of the factors that can predict cognitive decline in older adults.
How does boredom affect motivation?
Although boredom may have some benefits, such as boosting creativity and instigating prosocial behavior, it is also associated with negative outcomes. Studies suggest that boredom may disrupt motivation, cause attention problems, and affect performance. In school settings, perceived teacher boredom can affect students’ motivation. In a 2020 experience sampling study, researchers found that students who perceived their teacher as bored also experienced feelings of boredom and decreased learning motivation.
Why is boredom so hard to deal with?
Boredom can have a significant effect on a person’s mental health and well-being. Boredom can cause feelings of agitation and restlessness, making it challenging to focus on tasks and pursue goals. Boredom can also affect our ability to feel pleasure and satisfaction, which can lead to the development of depression symptoms. It can also affect personal relationships.
Why does depression make you less productive?
Boredom is a subjective experience, which means it is experienced differently by different individuals. For some, boredom may inspire creativity and enhance productivity. For others, boredom may bring a sense of lethargy and make it more challenging to complete certain tasks. A 2012 study on the relationship between boredom and attention showed that individuals with high boredom proneness performed poorly on tasks that entailed sustained attention.
Boredom at work can also have negative effects on a person’s well-being. In 2014, researchers examined the proximal and distal consequences of affective work-related boredom and found that boredom at work may contribute to counterproductive behavior, distress, and depressive symptoms.
How can boredom and lack of motivation affect unemployed people?
Boredom and lack of motivation can have a negative psychological impact on unemployed people. The negative feelings experienced by unemployed individuals may be exacerbated by boredom, leading to feelings of dejection and worthlessness. A lack of motivation can also hinder productivity and make it more challenging to pursue job opportunities.
How does boredom affect time perception?
According to research, boredom proneness can affect an individual’s perception of time. A 1991 study assessed the effects of boredom proneness on time perception by having participants complete a tedious task. The study found that highly boredom-prone individuals perceived time passing more slowly during the task than the low boredom-prone group.
How does boredom differ from other negative emotions?
Boredom and depression may share similar characteristics, but they are considered distinct states. According to a 2017 journal article, Boredom begs to Differ: Differentiation from Other Negative Emotions, boredom involves low attention and a perceived lack of meaning, distinguishing it from other negative emotions or affective states, such as sadness, fear, anger, and depression. A 2011 article published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology studied the relationships between boredom and three related states (i.e., depression, apathy, and anhedonia) and found that boredom is an emotional experience distinct from other psychological states.
- Previous Article
- Next Article