As one of the animal models of depression learned helplessness (LH) has been studied more widely and intensively in recent decades. After establishing research models using different species, including dogs, rodents and also Drosophila, findings in behaviors and neural circuitry provide many new insights in the phenomenon LH. By reviewing the findings of LH and important research results in rodents and Drosophila, also prospecting research directions in the future, this article could give readers a whole picture of field LH.