9 Reasons to Choose Hope When You Feel Overwhelmed

When you are struggling with fear, anxiety, or emotional distress, it can be difficult to see a way forward. The following strategies can help you find support, cope with difficult feelings, and take steps toward improving your situation and staying safe.

1. Things change over time: Although it might seem as if your pain and unhappiness will never end, it is important to realize that crises are temporary. Solutions are available, feelings change, and unexpected positive events occur. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. 

2. There are other options: You may feel lost and confused, but the answers to your specific problems are available. The key is to find the answers; however, the solutions to your anxieties and depression will not come to you. The first step in finding the solution to your problem is to seek help from a professional.

3. You can’t predict the future: Remember that no one can predict the future with one hundred percent accuracy. You may be ninety-nine percent correct on what may happen, but all it takes is that one percent to make a difference. There are usually small circumstances and factors that you can’t predict or anticipate that may work in your favor.

4. Focus on the facts of your situation: When people are depressed, they rely on their fearful and depressing thoughts. Your fearful thoughts are exaggerated and not based on reality. Focus on the facts of your current situation and not on what you think. Do not assume anything.

5. Worrying makes things worse: Our worrying can make the problem worse. All the worrying in the world will not change anything. The best thing you can do is to do your best each day. When something does happen, take it in stride. Do not get upset and learn how to manage your negative thoughts.

6. Talking helps: Talk to someone you trust and who is likely to listen with compassion and acceptance. You want to find someone you can talk to about your mental health without being judged. However, some friends may not understand what you are going through. Learn how to find support when friends don’t understand your anxiety.

7. Go to the hospital: If things are so bad that you are unable to function, seek immediate help at a hospital or crisis center. Anyone can go into a hospital for a mental health crisis. The people at the hospital or crisis center will take care of you.

8. No situation is hopeless: There are many people and organizations that are willing to help you, but you must be willing to take advantage of this help. Regardless of your situation, take advantage of the mental health assistance that is available. Every problem has a solution.

9. It will get better: Things can improve. A time will come when you see things differently. The key is to give it some time and talk to a mental health professional who can help you. Eventually, you’ll gain new insights that provide a clearer, more hopeful perspective on your situation.

When you’re in the middle of a crisis, that’s usually the only thing you can see. This is a prime example of tunnel vision which is the tendency to see one possible outcome in each situation. The problem with tunnel vision is that it lies. There may be solutions you can’t see yet, which is why it is important to give yourself some time to feel better.