Why Do I Feel Hopeless So Often? Understanding the Root Causes and Finding a Way Forward

Hopeless feelings can be a symptom of depressive disorders, as well as other mental health disorders. Feeling hopeless can be debilitating and not only rob your life of joy, but it can be dangerous as well. If you often feel hopeless, a medical diagnosis and professional support can help. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the root causes of hopelessness, strategies to feel better, and when to seek help.

Understanding Hopelessness

Feeling hopeless is about more than just feeling sad, although these feelings are often correlated. Feelings of hopelessness can be a sign of major depression or other mental illness.

What does hopelessness feel like?

Feeling hopeless may feel like a lack of hope for the future, feeling like things won’t ever get better. It can also manifest as feeling trapped, helpless, or without a sense of direction. It may be accompanied by a sense of despair or melancholy that persists over time, a feeling like you have no future or that life is meaningless. In extreme cases, you may have thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.

Is hopelessness a sign of a mental health condition?

Feeling hopeless can be a symptom of a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be a sign of clinical depression or major depressive disorder. Mental health issues can create a cycle of hopelessness, making it essential to seek treatment and support

Identifying the Root Causes of Hopelessness

What causes a person to start feeling hopeless? Is it simply the result of mental health conditions, genetics, or can it be something more?

What can trigger feelings of hopelessness?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to feeling hopeless, including the following:

• Periods of instability, significant loss, or change
• Experiencing multiple challenges or repeated struggles
• Life's challenges, such as a breakup, job loss, or death of a loved one
• Negative feelings, such as guilt, shame, or anger
• Mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety disorders

Recognizing Depression Symptoms

Anyone can feel hopeless from time to time, but when that feeling becomes pervasive in a way that affects daily life and relationships, it can be a problem.

Common signs and symptoms of depression

• Feeling empty or hopeless most of the day
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach problems

Seeking Help from a Mental Health Professional

When feeling hopeless gets to a certain point, it can be extremely helpful (and in some cases life-saving) to be diagnosed by clinical practice guidelines by either a doctor or licensed clinical psychologist. There are evidence-based treatment options for those who are experiencing major depression or other mental illness that promotes hopelessness.

When to talk to a doctor or mental health professional

With all of this, when is it time to reach out for professional help to diagnose and treat potential mental health conditions? If you notice any of the following, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends seeking help right away:

• If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or hopelessness for more than two weeks
• If you’re having suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness
• If you’re struggling with negative feelings or thoughts that are impacting your daily life
• If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency

Importance of seeking help for mental health

A mental healthcare professional can provide support and clinical interventions for major depression and other mental health disorders that can cause harm.

Talk therapy can improve mental health and self-esteem, reduce symptoms, help you work through any relationship difficulties, and increase feelings of hope and well-being

It is important to note that early treatment can help prevent long-term negative consequences, such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation, you can contact the suicide prevention crisis lifeline to get help and resources, or call your local emergency number.

Building a Support Network

It cannot be stressed how important social connections are to building resilience against things like depression, low self esteem, substance misuse, or any other challenging event. Here are some things you can do to create relationship in your life.

Make a connection with others who have experienced similar struggles

Join a support group for people with depression or anxiety disorders. This can help you to meet other people who understand what you're going through, and allow you to commiserate as well as share strategies and hopeful stories.

You can also to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings. Sometimes when you share big feelings with others, you feel less alone.

Finally, connect with others who have experienced similar struggles through online forums or social media groups.

Practicing Self-Care and Mindfulness

During stressful life events, it can be helpful to have already created a self-care and mindfulness practice for yourself. Here are some ways you can take action.

Reframing negative thoughts and behaviors

Practice gratitude by focusing on positive aspects of life, and trying to live in the present moment. You can learn to reframe negative thoughts and behaviors through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Taking care of physical health

Engage in regular exercise or physical activity that you enjoy, such as fitness classes or walking. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting enough sleep through practicing good sleep hygiene can also be protective factors against difficult times. Avoiding alcohol or substance abuse and other unhealthy coping mechanisms can help you feel better physically and heal more quickly mentally.

Finding Hope and Contentment

For those experiencing hopelessness, creating a foundation of more support as a protective factor can make a big difference in not only managing their current depression symptoms but avoiding similar challenges in the future. Here are some ways you can strengthen these protective factors.

Focusing on positive aspects of life

Practice gratitude by focusing on things you’re thankful for, while engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation on a regular basis. Community is also essential...connect with others who support and care about you.

Savoring simple sources of joy

Engage in hobbies or activities that bring pleasure, such as spending time in nature or outdoors. Practice mindfulness and being present in the moment; guided meditations can be a good introduction.

Creating a Hopeful Future

Create a series of helpful coping mechanisms for future use. That way, if you run into financial problems or other life challenges, you will have a full toolbox to pull from.

Building resilience and coping skills

Learn healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise or meditation. Build a support network of friends, family, and mental health professionals. If you have a medical condition, you can join a support group for others going through this challenge and gain not only connection but practical resources and advice.

Setting realistic goals and working towards a positive future

Set small, achievable goals for the future. Overwhelming yourself with goals that seem unattainable can be counterproductive, so give yourself credit for every step forward...no matter how small. Work towards a positive future by taking small steps. One way you can do this is to practice hope and optimism by intentionally focusing on the positive aspects of your life for a few minutes every day.

Long Term Treatment for Those Experiencing Hopelessness in Miami, FL

Not everyone reacts the same way when they experience a difficult event. Some have trouble focusing, some feel depressed, some have other symptoms like physical aches and pains. Hopelessness is one of the most difficult feelings to manage on your own. The good news is that with treatment, you can find hope again.

At Williamsburg Therapy Group our team of doctoral-level Miami psychotherapists offer a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to talk therapy that offer the tools necessary for learning self-compassion, managing stress, and learning healthy coping skills and habits that can help a person feel hopeful again.

If you or someone you love is showing signs of depression that are impacting their mental or physical health, call our service coordinator to be matched with a therapist that can help you work through the scenarios that trigger depression, support you when you're feeling sad, and offer healthy coping skills and strategies to reduce symptoms and help you live a fulfilling life.