Have you ever thought someone close to you might be battling inner demons, but they’ve hidden it so well you’re left guessing?

Let me tell you something.

Life isn’t always as simple as it appears on the outside. Often, the real struggle goes unnoticed, quietly gnawing at a person from within. And, interestingly, psychology has quite a bit to say about this.

Take a pause and consider this.

There are daily habits, subtle yet powerful, that reveal if a man has quietly given up on life. These habits, once recognized, can help us better understand and support those who might be struggling in silence.

So if you’ve been wondering “What are these habits?” or “Could I help someone close to me?”, then stick around.

In this article, we’ll delve into the seven daily habits of a man who’s given up on life—according to psychology. Remember, knowledge is power and understanding can lead to action. Let’s get started.

1) He’s isolating himself

Let’s dive right in.

One of the most telling signs that a man has quietly given up on life is when he starts to isolate himself. This isn’t about enjoying a bit of alone time, which we all need occasionally.

No, it’s different.

It’s about withdrawing from social activities he used to love. It’s about avoiding family get-togethers and ignoring calls from friends. It’s about spending more and more time alone, often under the guise of being ‘busy’.

You see, for someone quietly giving up on life, isolation becomes a coping mechanism. It’s a way to avoid the pain of facing reality or dealing with personal issues.

But here’s the thing.

Isolation is a double-edged sword. While it may provide temporary relief from emotional pain, it also intensifies feelings of loneliness and despair in the long run.

And that’s pretty concerning.

2) He’s neglecting his physical health

Let me share something personal.

A few years back, I had a friend, let’s call him Mark. Mark was always the life of the party, the one who’d always be up for a game of soccer or a spontaneous camping trip.

But then things changed.

Mark started missing out on our soccer games. He’d make up excuses for not joining us on our camping trips. We noticed he was losing weight and there was a constant tiredness in his eyes.

You see, Mark was neglecting his physical health, and it was a clear sign that he was struggling with his inner demons.

He’d stopped eating properly and his sleep patterns were all over the place. His lack of energy was palpable, and it wasn’t just due to physical exhaustion. It was like he’d lost his zest for life.

And that’s when we realized.

Neglecting physical health is a common habit among those who have given up on life silently. It’s not just about skipping meals or sleep—it’s about neglecting self-care entirely.

I wish I’d understood it sooner.

3) He’s stopped planning for the future

Ever tried planning a weekend trip with someone and they just can’t seem to commit? They’re vague about their availability, and they seem disinterested in making concrete plans?

I’ve been there.

It’s frustrating, isn’t it? But let’s take a moment and think about why someone might behave this way.

You see, when a man is quietly giving up on life, he tends to lose the ability to plan for the future. And it’s not because he doesn’t care or he’s trying to be difficult. It’s because he doesn’t see a future for himself anymore.

He stops dreaming. He stops setting goals. He stops looking forward to tomorrow.

His world becomes confined to the present moment, without the anticipation of better days ahead. The joy of planning vacations, setting career goals, or even just looking forward to a dinner date seems pointless.

It’s harsh, I know. But understanding this can help us empathize and provide the support that these individuals so desperately need.

4) He’s lost interest in his passions

Now, this one hits close to home.

Imagine someone who used to love painting. The kind of person who could spend hours with a brush in hand, lost in a world of colors and imagination. But suddenly, he just stops. The canvases remain blank, and the brushes dry.

Or envision a man who loved to cook, whose kitchen was always filled with the aroma of delightful delicacies. But one day, the kitchen goes silent. The pots and pans are left untouched.

Sound familiar?

This is often the reality for those who are quietly giving up on life. They lose interest in their passions and hobbies, things that once brought them joy and satisfaction.

You see, passion is a strong indicator of our zest for life. It’s what makes our hearts beat a little faster, our eyes shine a little brighter. But when life loses its meaning, so do our passions.

It’s sad, but it’s also a crucial sign we need to look out for.

5) He’s constantly dwelling on past mistakes

Did you know that the human mind is like a time machine? It can effortlessly travel back in time, reliving moments of joy, pain, triumph, or regret. But here’s where it gets tricky.

For someone silently giving up on life, this mental time travel often gets stuck in the past. Specifically, on past mistakes.

Day in and day out, he’s tormented by what he could have done differently. He obsesses over missed opportunities and failed relationships. He blames himself for not being ‘good enough’ or ‘smart enough’.

In essence, his past mistakes become his present reality.

And this constant self-blame and regret? It’s debilitating. It sucks the joy out of today and clouds the hope for tomorrow.

This kind of retrospection isn’t about learning from the past—it’s about being imprisoned by it. And it’s a key habit we need to be aware of.

6) He’s overly self-critical

Let’s talk about John.

John was always quick to lend a helping hand, always there to offer a kind word. But when it came to speaking about himself, his words were often harsh and unkind.

John was battling an internal critic—the harshest critic of all.

You see, being overly self-critical is a common habit among those silently giving up on life. They judge themselves more harshly than they would anyone else. They downplay their achievements and magnify their flaws.

But here’s what we need to remind John, and anyone else in a similar situation: It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay not to be perfect. After all, we’re human.

Nobody should be their own worst enemy. So the next time you notice someone being overly self-critical, remind them of their worth. Because sometimes, that’s exactly what they need to hear.

7) He’s stopped taking care of his environment

Here’s something crucial.

When a man is quietly giving up on life, his surroundings often mirror his internal state. Suddenly, the once neat and tidy home becomes cluttered and disorganized. The plants he used to nurture start wilting. His workspace, once a symbol of his dedication, is now just a pile of scattered papers.

This isn’t about being lazy or disorganized. This is a reflection of how he feels on the inside—chaotic, overwhelmed, and uncared for.

So if you notice someone’s environment changing drastically, take it as a sign. It’s a silent cry for help, an echo of the turmoil they’re experiencing within.

Remember, it’s often the quietest gestures that scream the loudest.

Final thoughts

If you’ve recognized these habits in someone you know, remember this – they are not beyond help.

However, it’s crucial to approach them with understanding, patience, and empathy. It’s not about forcing them to ‘snap out of it’, but rather providing a safe space for them to express their feelings.

Keep reminding them of their worth, of the love and support that surrounds them. Encourage professional help, as it can provide the necessary tools to regain the will to live.

And if you see these habits in yourself, know this: It’s okay to seek help. There is no shame in struggling or feeling lost. Reach out to someone you trust, speak your truth. You are not alone.

Darkness is just the absence of light. And sometimes, all it takes is a single spark to dispel the shadows.

So let’s be that spark for ourselves and for those around us. Because everyone deserves to find their way back to the light.