FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Something’s not right

How do you find hope for a better life?

How do you find hope for a better life?

Hey,

I have not had hope of getting better for a long time. I have taken all the meds prescribed, talked and listened through numerous therapies, tried all the well-meaning advice and nothing has lifted the weight of my depression. Mindfulness, exercise and fake it till you make it do not work for me. I need something new.

What makes you have hope that things will get better? What makes you keep trying?

29 replies

1 - 10 of 29

In response to: How do you find hope for a better life?

Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

hello there
Mindfulness, meditation and giving to others does not give me a sense of hope. Although I do like to give to others and see them smile.
I use to think that 'hope' was a euphoric feeling that would sweep over me and help me emotionally to cope with MI. I go to all my medical appointments & support appointments and receive info on how to stay well. I thought that would give me an 'inkling' of 'hope' into moving forward.
I thought about that word 'hope'. It seemed larger than me that sounds goofy I know. Also it seemed far far away, like? away in the distance.
Now 'hope' for me comes in the form of 'moments'. Things that I become aware of and things that I see that make me stop and watch. Those 'moments' make me feel like I exist and I'm simply not numb and a automoton.
My support worker told me about a 'healing' box and a 'evidence' book that I should do. Perhaps 'proof' or 'validation' book or some other friendly user word would be cool. Where I write in daily of things I've done. I write things in there that I've found difficult to do and have barrier issues. Like? I went food shopping (as I have eating issues)
It's a record of what I do and acheive. Its a small book. I put flower stickers in it when I do something plus I like flowers. I read it every now and then not when I'm feeling low but to remind me of what I do and continue to do. The feeling of 'hope' is growing on me.

In response to: Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

Hi @MaryMayhem
I have to admit i am feeling really similar at the moment. I dont know how or if i will ever be 'ok'... My psych has asked me to start writing down how i do want my life to be, what i want things to be like so i can build up a picture of what i want to get to but it all feels a bit ... out of reach really. I'm glad you started this thread, i hope it is helpful for you too 🙂

In response to: Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

Hi @MaryMahem,

i think I've been slowly building hope that things can be better over time. I've started to believe in it through @Faith-and-Hope's persistence of sharing her faith and hope. The funny thing has been the more I typed her name the more the concepts started to sink in, it was not something I had previously believed in. I think the other think that keeps me going is when I have someone believe in me. For me that means a lot, that someone else believes in me when I can't. Not sure if this helps but I thought I'd share. 😊💜

In response to: How do you find hope for a better life?

Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

hi there,

I struggle with severe depression. What has helped me is attending Support Groups.

I have also noticed, I am better without junk food and alcohol.

Omega 3 fish tablets helped too, after a month or so.

Vitamin D and sunlight,

A good friend of mine has dog, which I sometimes take it for walk. I find it soothing.

Also, I just begun exercise routine which has raised my spirits.

I hope you find relief. I think you just gotta try different things. I wish you luck.

In response to: Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

@MaryMahem. Last year I could have given you ideas on how to feel better. Today, this year, my depression is following me like a shadow and I'm finding it hard to shake it off.

I agree that no or very litle alcohol is a good way to go. But I do not follow this advice myself anymore.

I used to find breathing exercises and time out to meditate helpful. Not anymore.

I'm sorry I can't give positive feedback. But I know how you feel.

In response to: How do you find hope for a better life?

Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

Hope is faith in things as yet unseen ......

Evidence in the form of glimpses in the world around you lead you to ponder on this .....

And it can be such things as a flower blooming in the desert, a warm smile from a passing stranger, an unexpected rainbow or sunset glow ......

That all sounds rather poetic ....,,but it's making a heart connection, and choosing to believe it is valuable. I

In response to: How do you find hope for a better life?

Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

Hi @MaryMahem,

I don't have any hope of getting better either. I don't try to have hope anymore, I simply "be" today. Although it may sound morbid to some, it gives me great comfort to know that there is a 100% certainty that I will die one day. I can be 100% certain that what I am experiencing now, will not last forever. So, amidst all the chaos and the turmoil, I take pleasure in little things like sitting in my garden listening to the birds, or lying on the grass on a super sunny day like today. I take pleasure in learning new things, and laughing over ridiculous jokes here in Forum Land. These things help me to feel little nice feelings amidst all the giant less-nice feelings. So, I guess in answer to your question, I don't have hope that my future will be better, but I enjoy the tinsy tiny nice little bits that I see in every day.

In response to: How do you find hope for a better life?

Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

May sound strange but I've given up on hope. Like to me hoping my illness will get better is like putting hope in a person. Both I can't control and both will let me down. So why do I want to put hope on something I know that will hurt me. Dose that make sense?

But something I have to do is keep trying and living life. Failure ain't no option. Well sometimes I scream out I give up but I think we can all relate to that. I give myself new hobbies and challenges and goals. They keep me going. I keep busy. And who knows one day I will be wher I want to be.

In response to: Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

Hi @MaryMahem

What gives me hope for a better life? Enjoying those goods things in the day no matter how small; the peace and quiet at times I savour, a spring day's sunshine, my cat sleeping beside me purring, walking on the beach and in nature, my cross stitching and embroidery, the love of my husband and daughter - and especially a hearty laugh with others or laughing along with a funny movie; "all that makes my life better in the moment". Which helps my mind develop a more positive outlook for the future. I don't know what that would be so why worry I think, tomorrow's not promised so I figure just live for today. That helps realise hope for me now.

I also feel better when I abstain from alcohol (a depressant for me) and exercise/eat/sleep well. Most important to ward off depression. This strengthening of body helps strengthen my mind and hope/well being is easier to see.

Faith in good sustains my hope also.

What also really keeps me going is those people who appreciate me and by doing this reaffirms my purpose here. A smile, kindness and care from another can bring hope alive in my heart xx

In response to: How do you find hope for a better life?

Re: How do you find hope for a better life?

Its difficult to hold on to hope when everything around you starts to crumble.
1 - 10 of 29