Ataxia in short is that condition completely calm, where Emotions fade and seem anxiousOr even joy, fails to touch us. In psychology, it is a kind of ’emotional emptiness’, an absence of feeling, that some people experience; A state where the mind and body simply don’t…react. as if they Tired of feeling. On the other hand, for Greeks it is a calm state that can help you live without worries. We spoke to an expert to explain to us that ataraxia is a warning sign that we need to make an appointment with an expert and if we can follow Greek philosophy to achieve a calmer and more peaceful state of mind.
What is ataraxia?
“Ataraxia usually appears in response to or even very stressful situations trauma. As if the mind said: ‘Enough! I can’t take it anymore’ and, to protect himself, he begins to block any emotional response. Factors such as constant stress, difficult experiences or emotional exhaustion can be triggers, such as a ‘self-defense’ of the body that goes a little further than we would like,” explains Judith Izquierdo, psychologist and founder of Siquia.
Ataxia can appear as a response to a very stressful situation where the mental system becomes exhausted.
As the expert tells us, “When one is faced with such a situation Extreme or repeated stressYour sensory system becomes fatigued, and you may enter this state of ataraxia. It’s like a ‘Mental blackout‘In the face of everything that causes discomfort or pain, the mind has a way of avoiding pain… although sometimes it is completely disconnected,’ comments the expert.
© Getty ImagesSymptoms and manifestations
“Ataraxia manifests itself with a An almost complete lack of passion and motivation. People who experience this often have little interest in things they previously enjoyed and may seem ‘cold’ or distant. In everyday life, it is common for these people to feel disconnected from others and activities, even though they loved them before. Life loses ‘color’ and becomes monotonous,” says Izquierdo. “This emotional disconnect is felt in the way they react (or not) to things happening around them. Even if something is exciting or challenging, they can’t bat an eye. People around them may perceive them as distant or ‘understood’disconnected,‘Because even intense emotions fail to produce visible reactions,’ explains the psychologist.
Meditation and stress management help reduce the risk of emotional disconnection
Diagnosis and treatment
“To diagnose ataraxia, professionals use Mental Questionnaire and in-depth interviews, in which affective responses and mental states are assessed. Observation of everyday situations can also be included to see if there really is an absence of emotional response,” he notes. “Treatment is usually combined Cognitive behavioral therapy and techniques that invite you to reconnect with emotions, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). These therapies seek to help the person ‘re-feel’ and face blocked emotions,” Izquierdo suggests.
“Also, create a lifestyle that includes self-careMeditation and stress management Helps reduce the risk of emotional disconnection. Practicing mindfulness and taking time to feel emotions (even negative ones) is key to not falling into a state of ataraxia,” recommends Izquierdo.
Use Ataraxia for calm mind
Although ataraxia is considered a disorder that should be treated in the past The Greeks referred to ataraxia as a state of tranquility and peace of mind It is characterized by the absence of anxiety and trouble. Indeed, ataraxia is a central concept in the teachings of various philosophical schools, such as Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Skepticism.
for the epicureansFor example, ataraxia was achieved preferentially by avoiding pain and cultivating moderate pleasure Enjoyment of life without goodness and excess. Epicurus maintained that the highest pleasure is not the pursuit of momentary satisfaction, but the absence of pain and tranquility of mind.
Ataraxia was the ideal state of balance and serenity for many Greek philosophers who were looking for ways to live in harmony with themselves.
In this stoicism, Ataraxia is also fundamental, although it has a different focus: the Stoics believed it was achieved only through the control of emotions and the cultivation of reason. According to them, ataraxia is achieved by accepting external events as inevitable, rather than being driven by emotion, so that inner peace It depends on the attitude towards the situation and not on the situation.
For their part, the skeptic They maintained that ataraxia is achieved by suspending judgment about things, since they avoid passing judgment on the absolute truth of a statement. per Refrain from judging, avoid anxiety and maintain peace Mental, since doubt about truth or falsehood is not a concern.
Ataraxia was then the ideal of balance and tranquility That the Greek philosophers sought to achieve as a means of living in harmony with themselves and the world, unaffected by internal or external disturbances.
So how can this Greek concept help us live a carefree life?
Ataraxia is a strategy for living without anxiety by practicing
- Accept what you cannot control: Focus on the areas you can change and learn to accept what is out of your control. By letting go of worries about external and unavoidable things, you can reduce stress and reach greater inner peace.
- Focus on the present: Practice gratitude and focus on living in the present moment without worrying about the future or regretting the past. Enjoying simple, everyday pleasures helps build calmness and reduce unnecessary anxiety.
- Adjourn the trial: Avoid making quick judgments or forming absolute opinions without sufficient information. Questioning your thoughts before reacting allows you to distance yourself from intense emotions, achieving a calmer and more rational response.
- Meditate and work on self-understanding: Regular meditation helps calm the mind, while self-knowledge allows you to observe your thoughts without becoming familiar with them. Both practices promote the ability to respond calmly and better understand your emotions.
- Live with moderation and self-control: Building balanced habits and moderation in your routine reduces mental and physical clutter. Strengthening emotional resilience and practicing self-control can help you face challenges without losing your cool.
- Find support and community: Surround yourself with people with values of peace and reflection. Maintaining a support network helps strengthen your practices and, if you need it, you can resort to therapies that help you manage emotions in a healthy way.
- Committed to inner peace: Practice emotional detachment from externals and focus on your personal growth. This attitude allows you to find mental stability and peace, no matter what challenges or situations you face.
