Defeatism

Defeatism is a way of thinking characterized by an acceptance of loss, rejection, and failure. It is a belief that going any further in a situation is futile and nothing matters because things will end negatively. Defeatism is also a common trait in individuals with depression who feel that trying is irrelevant because the situation will end badly no matter what happens. Defeatism is often seen in situations of war where soldiers will refuse to participate because they feel their actions are futile and nothing will change the inevitable negative outcome. Another example is a depressed person who no longer interacts with others in social settings and doesn't participate in activities they previously enjoyed. The feeling of hopelessness and perceived certainty of negative outcomes makes them feel as if their actions are pointless.