Hope?

[Molly604]

I would be very interested in hearing from people on this.

What gives you hope? What makes you hopeful?

I have been in such a dark place for so long I just don't know if it will end. 

[Zeal]

Hi Molly,

Welcome to the Beyond blue forum!

For depression, often professional help is needed. If you haven’t been diagnosed, it’s important to see your GP. If you were diagnosed in the past and no longer see a professional about your depression, consider making an appointment with your GP to discuss options.

I feel hope when I witness positive things. I volunteer with an organisation that supports people with intellectual disabilities. I go on outings on some Saturdays with about 6-8 kids and a staff member. The youngest I’ve met is 5, and he is such a positive little kid. One 11 year old boy has Autism and is non-verbal. He often looks happy. He loves water: playing with it, being in it etc. I feel tired after these activities, but I almost always feel content and positive too. Studies have actually shown that volunteers have, on average, higher levels of happiness.

So, if you’re able to and are well enough, you could try volunteering. I started volunteering after I had fully recovered from mental illness. If you get treatment and are more stable, it may be a good idea to do some casual volunteering or join a club. Being with people regularly is important, especially for those suffering with depression.

I love to read; it’s enjoyable, often relaxing, and a good distraction. I’d recommend The Book Thief; Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover; Welcome to Your New Life by Anna Goldsworthy; The Good Life by Hugh Mackay (non-fiction); and The Rosie Project/ The Rosie Effect. These contemporary novels are interesting and/or inspiring, and would provide a mental break from melancholy.

Having some close friends who you trust and enjoy time with is important. I isolated myself socially when I was unwell, and this made things worse. Even just keeping in contact with one or two close friends is great. If you live with family, then that can be a great support too. If not, perhaps call your family regularly. Hearing about their lives and how they’re doing can offer a distraction from your own situation and thoughts. Also, your family will probably really appreciate your calls.

Doing things you enjoy in your life is incredibly beneficial to your own happiness. Some people almost forget this. I heard from a great motivational speaker recently. His name’s Sebastian Terry and he’s created a site called 100 Things. I recommend taking a look.

I hope some of my suggestions have been helpful.  

Best wishes,

SM

[Doolhof]

Hi Molly,

I too want to welcome you to Beyond Blue and to the Community here.

HOPE, how to find it? That is a good question and I suppose if you asked 100 people they may all come up with a different answer.

That may be a start for you to answer this question yourself, ask your friends and family what hope means to them! Are you on Facebook, put it out there and ask people what it is for them.

SM has given you some good advice on how to find more hope. If you are feeling really depressed, it is a good thing to see your Dr. about it, and if you are still living at home, to try and chat with your family as well.

Hope for me is trying to find something good in every day, and to be thankful for my family and friends.

Hope is knowing that if I have had a bad day today, then that doesn't mean that tomorrow will be the same! It can be better.

For example, if I feel like I have not managed to achieve much today, then I might make up a little list of jobs for tomorrow and ensure my goals are achievable.

The next day arrives, I slowly check off a couple of things I had wanted to do and I feel so much more positive and hopeful!

Have you looked up HOPE on Google? It could be interesting to see what you come up with, and search for ways that work for you to build up your hope.

Hope is a little like Self Esteem, someone was posting recently about how to find self esteem. I posted some information on that thread I found on the net which may help you also.

Speaking of hope, I hope some of this has helped you!

Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools

[MisterM]

Listening to music and involving myself in music.