What Help Really Looks Like When You Feel Hopeless

Discovering and pursuing practical strategies when feeling hopeless, like talking, journaling, and trying mindfulness, helps teenagers regain hope and manage challenges effectively.

About this article...

  • Suitable for members aged 12-17
  • 5 minute read
  • 1,035 words (2.6 sides of A4)
  • Providing help and guidance on Self-Harm & Suicide and Mental Health
  • Created and reviewed by our team of experts

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Feeling hopeless can be really tough, especially when everything seems to be piling up on you - school work, problems with friends, family issues - it can all get a bit too much. When you're stuck feeling like this, the world can seem dark, and finding a way out might feel impossible. But remember, this is exactly when help can make the biggest difference. Recognising different forms of support and knowing how to reach out can transform hopeless feelings into manageable ones. Let's explore how help can look in different situations, and how it can lead to improvement.

Understanding Hopelessness

First things first, what does feeling hopeless really mean? It often involves a sense of despair or a belief that things won't get better. This can be triggered by various events or situations like doing poorly on a test, a disagreement with a friend, or worrying about the future. It's important to recognise these feelings early because understanding them is the first step to overcoming them.

Reaching Out to Friends and Family

One of the most straightforward forms of help comes from people you already trust: your friends and family. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can not only provide immediate relief but also can give you different perspectives on the issue at hand.

What Help Really Looks Like When You Feel Hopeless

  • Talk about your feelings: It can be as simple as saying, "I'm feeling really down lately and I'm not sure what to do." Just expressing this can lift a bit of the weight off your shoulders.
  • Choose the right time and place: Pick a quiet moment when you won't be interrupted, and a comfortable spot where you feel at ease.
  • Be open to advice: Sometimes, others can see solutions that aren't obvious to us when we're feeling low.

Professional Help

If things feel too overwhelming, seeking professional help is a strong option. This doesn't just mean therapists or counsellors, though they are great at what they do. School counsellors, for instance, are there to help students like you manage emotional challenges. Getting professional help isn't a sign of weakness; rather, it's about taking control of your wellbeing.

  • Speak to your school counsellor: They can offer guidance specifically tailored to your age and situation.
  • Consider therapy: A therapist can give you tools and techniques to cope with your feelings more effectively.
  • Ask about confidentiality: Knowing that your conversations will remain private might make you feel more comfortable opening up.

Engaging in Positive Activities

When you're feeling down, it might be tempting to shut down and withdraw into your own space. However, engaging in activities you enjoy, or starting new ones, can significantly impact your mood and outlook.

  • Physical activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which can boost your mood. Even a short walk can help clear your mind.
  • Creative outlets: Drawing, writing, or playing music allows you to express your feelings in a productive way.
  • Social activities: Joining clubs or sports teams not only distracts from negative feelings but also helps build a supportive community around you.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation aren't just for adults; they're tools you as a teenager can use too. These practices help you develop a deeper awareness of your thoughts and feelings, catching those negative thoughts before they spiral out of control. Even something simple like pausing and taking a few deep breaths can make a big difference.

  • Try guided meditations: Apps like Calm or Headspace offer sessions tailored for beginners and they often have student discounts.
  • Practice breathing exercises: This can help calm your body's stress response and increase feelings of calm and control.
  • Incorporate short mindfulness exercises: Practice being in the moment, whether while eating, walking to school, or during breaks between classes.

Keeping a Hope Journal

Keeping a journal can be more than just writing down what happened during your day. It can be a powerful tool to foster hope. In this journal, focus specifically on things that give you hope, moments of happiness, or progress you've made in any aspect of your life. This can serve as a great reminder of the good things happening around you and that not everything is bad.

  • Document small wins: Finished a task you've been dreading? Note it! These small victories can be significant upon reflection.
  • Express gratitude: Writing down what you're thankful for can shift your focus from what's going wrong to what's going right.
  • Include positive future plans: Writing about the future can help you remember there are things to look forward to.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed at times, everyone does. The key is recognising these feelings and approaching them with strategies that can bring genuine relief and recovery. Don't be discouraged to ask for help, try new things or talk about your feelings. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to reach for help when you feel like giving up.

Remember, feeling hopeless at times is a part of life, but it doesn't define your whole life. Every step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards feeling better. Being proactive about your mental health is something to be proud of.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

  • Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
  • The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.