When you have lived through some incredibly tumultuous times, it can be tough to face a New Year. Looking back on past struggles and looking ahead to an unknowable future; it can be very overwhelming.
This is when hope is hardest to come by but also when we need it the most. When darkness is enveloping our lives, it’s vital that we find sparks of hope, even if we find them with gritted teeth.
A 2022 study found that being hopeful, however that may look for you, fosters “wellbeing, quality of life, and psychological adjustment in the general population and in specific groups, such as people living with mental health conditions.”
So, how do you become more hopeful?
On their website, Samaritans says: “Hope can mean something different to everyone. Feeling hopeful can be anything from lifting your mood, to giving you something to focus on, or something to look forward to in the future.
“It doesn’t have to mean that you feel like everything is going to be amazing right away, but it’s about building belief in yourself that things can get better.”
The mental health charity recommends trying these practical suggestions:
- Going for a walk with a friend to connect with nature and maybe discuss how you’re feeling. They add: “You may find that you feel more comfortable talking things through while walking”
- Pause and reflect. Try a breathing exercise and challenge your own negative beliefs by asking yourself, “Is there a different, more positive way I could look at this situation?”
- Practice gratitude: “Gratitude, like hope, is something that we sometimes need to practice and build into our everyday lives. There are lots of different ways you can reflect on the things you’re grateful for, whether big or small, to help you feel more positive”
Remember, if you’re not feeling hopeful or happy, you’re not alone.
Help and support:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
- CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.
