Research into clinical depression by psychologists Seligman and Maier (1967) coined the phrase ‘Learned Helplessness’. They described it as a perceived absence of control over the outcome of a situation.  They suggested that some people seem to just accept that they can’t alter a situation and in doing so overlook potential opportunities for change.

Being realistic, it is appreciated that there are things we can’t change but there are many other things we can.  We don’t have to ‘Grin and Bear it’.  Developing Personal Power is getting out of this (Learned Helplessness) frame of mind and recognise the possibilities to effect change.  If we can’t see an opportunity, then we need to make one.

Teach Problem Solving
People think they have problems – but often the problem is in the way people think.

Example
Although the person might be focusing on a specific issue, it is worth remembering that they probably deal with many situations in their life really well.