To clarify, the theory of learned helplessness does not imply that there is no escaping it once it's set it. It's been a while since I took that class, but there are behavioral techniques to counteract it...you have to recognize it for what it is in order to know what to do about it, though. I think the techniques are along the lines of slowly exposing yourself to situations where you can "win" or "escape" so your brain begins to see that you aren't helpless.

Part of the problem with the apartment search, I'm sure, is that I don't really know how to look except to look at complexes. I know independent landlords likely have less strict requirements, but I don't really know how to find them and ensure they're not murderers or something.

By organisms, I just meant living entities. Humans are organisms. Dogs are organisms. etc.