Are you experiencing apathy? Take the quiz

Apathy can affect many areas of life, including relationships, work, hobbies, and it often goes deeper than feeling lazy or fatigued. It’s defined by a persistent lack of motivation or interest in things you once enjoyed. Emotional exhaustion, chronic stress, depression — even just being overwhelmed — are all common causes of apathy.

If you have been feeling disconnected or indifferent lately, consider taking our apathy test. This short quiz can help you explore whether your lack of interest may be tied to an underlying mental health condition like depression or if it’s a reaction to current life circumstances.

Please note: This quiz isn’t a substitute for a clinical diagnosis. However, your results can be a helpful starting point for a conversation with a licensed therapist, who can provide personalized support and guidance.

Signs you may be experiencing apathy

People aren’t always aware they’re experiencing apathy until it starts to interfere with their daily lives. They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, feel emotionally disconnected, or wonder why they just don’t care anymore. It can start with small things like skipping plans, zoning out, or losing motivation. 

In some cases, what seems like severe apathy could be avolition. Avolition isn’t just about not caring. It’s feeling so drained or unmotivated that even simple tasks feel impossible to start or finish. It’s often linked to mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder.

Some signs that you may be experiencing apathy can include:                         

• Lacking motivation: You struggle to start or complete tasks, even ones you used to enjoy.
• Withdrawing from others: You have little interest in socializing with others or attending events, even with people you care about.
• Neglecting your needs: You might skip meals, stop exercising, or neglect your usual sleep routine and self-care habits.
• Losing interest: Hobbies, passions, or social invitations no longer spark joy or curiosity.
• Experiencing low energy: You feel constantly tired, take frequent naps, or sleep more than usual.
• Avoiding conflict: You may grow distant in relationships and shy away from emotional intimacy or difficult conversations.
• Struggling with tasks: Daily responsibilities, at work and home, begin to pile up because you can’t find the time to tackle them.

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Take our quiz

Apathy is a lack of feeling, interest, or concern. People who are apathetic aren’t lazy or don’t want to try, they genuinely feel disconnected or emotionally numb. Apathy can be a symptom of depression, burnout, or trauma. It’s typically involuntary and not just something people can “snap out of” on their own.

Realizing you may have apathy can be a powerful first step toward healing. Understanding that apathy is a symptom, rather than the root issue, can guide you to what needs attention — whether it’s rest, therapy, a life change, or learning how to reconnect with things that give you joy.

Answer the following questions based on whether or not they accurately describe you and your experiences:

Do you tend to feel indifferent or not have an opinion on important issues?

• Yes/No

Do you find it difficult to make decisions if the outcome won’t directly affect you?

• Yes/No

Do others tend to describe you as uninterested, hard to know, or emotionally distant?

• Yes/No

When others express emotion toward you, such as sadness or anger, do you tend to shut down or feel a sense of numbness?

• Yes/No

Do you tend to ignore personal goals that seem to matter to others?

• Yes/No

Do you feel emotionally exhausted by small stressors, tending to avoid them?

• Yes/No

Do you have a hard time feeling and identifying your emotions?

• Yes/No

Do you ever feel like nothing really matters anymore — even things that used to be important?

• Yes/No

Do you struggle to find motivation to complete everyday tasks?

• Yes/No

Have you noticed yourself withdrawing from social situations or relationships?

• Yes/No

Do you often wait for others to prompt or push you to take action, even on basic tasks?

• Yes/No

Do you rarely feel joy or interest in things you used to enjoy?

• Yes/No

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions and believe apathy is affecting your quality of life, working with a therapist may help you. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one evidence-based approach that can support you in identifying and shifting the unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may be reinforcing feelings of indifference or low motivation.

Find care with Rula

We all feel apathetic from time to time. But if that sense of indifference persists for two weeks or more, it could be a sign of burnout, depression, or emotional exhaustion. A mental health professional can work with you to identify the root cause, build healthy coping skills, and address any underlying issues like depression, trauma, anxiety, or grief.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

Find a provider with Rula