In light of the suicide of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst's, suicide prevention and mental health awareness are once again thrust into the national spotlight. It is an important conversation to have, as suicide is tragically a leading cause of death in the United States.
So many feel hopeless and helpless, but know that you are not alone. Know that there is always something new on the other side of every dark cloud and storm. Whether you're sad, depressed, or anxious about your career, relationships, or any other aspect of your life, know that everything will work out in the end if you can hang on to hope. This article will provide 7 ways that you can find hope in times of hopelessness. Not all of this will work for everyone, but please read this with an open mind and consider the tolls you can use to shift your perspective and start the process of self healing.
- Do things that make you happy. This may seem like a no brainer, but so many people go through life without ever really taking the time to consider and then do things that make them happy. Find things that make you feel good and do them on a regular basis. This could be anything from reading, hiking, playing sports, painting, or writing. Whatever it is that brings joy into your life will help lead you out of dark times.
- Surround yourself with individuals who lift you up. It's important to be around people who make you feel good about yourself. These people will help support you and give you hope when you are feeling down. Find a group of friends or family members who make you laugh, help you out when you're in need, and make you feel loved. Know that you can always tune into LOL with Kim Gravel if you need to hear the voice of a friend.
- Start a gratitude journal. A gratitude journal is one of the simplest and most effective ways to change your mindset. Every day, write down three things for which you are thankful. This could be anything from the sun shining to a text message from a friend. Focusing on the positive things in your life will help you see hope even when times are tough.
- Stay active. Staying active is a great way to improve your mood. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. When you're feeling down, take a walk, go for a run, or hit the gym.
- Get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining your mental health. When you get 8 hours of sleep per night, you are more likely to be productive and have a better mood. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool for the best sleep results.
- Meditate. Meditation is a great way to achieve mental clarity and calmness. When you're feeling hopeless, it can be helpful to sit in silence and focus on your breath. This will help you clear your mind and find some peace.
- Find someone to talk to. If you are feeling hopeless, it is important to talk to someone about it. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or help line worker. It's important to have someone to talk to who will understand and support you.
If you can put in the work and push through tough times, change will come. But it's important to hold onto hope. Hope is what will help you get through tough times and come out stronger on the other side.
There is always HOPE. You are not alone.
If you or someone you know needs suicide prevention services, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).