Seeking Help When Feeling Hopeless

Seeking Out Help When Feeling Hopeless

Martin Smith, LMFT

Talking about your feelings, especially when you're feeling depressed or suicidal, is incredibly important. Keeping painful emotions bottled up can make them feel even more overwhelming and isolating. Opening up to someone for support, whether it’s a trusted friend, family member or mental health professional can provide relief. Often, it is simply the experience of feeling connected to someone that is most helpful. We as people need to feel seen and heard, especially when we are going through a difficult time. This is a normal and fundamental human need. Other times, we may need specific feedback and guidance that a trained therapist knows how to give.

Psychotherapy is a powerful tool for managing emotionally challenging times. It offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, feelings and needs. It gives us a place to better understand the root causes of our pain, and to develop healthier patterns in our lives, and better ways of coping. Often, through therapy, people find clarity and a renewed sense of hope. We should never feel alone, particularly when struggling with emotional pain.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help immediately. For those 18 and under, urgent help can be found at the Urgent Crisis Center at the Village in Hartford. Or, you can simply call 211 or 911 for immediate support. The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by calling 988, and offers emotional support and guidance via the phone. And for ongoing support, the Bridge counseling center is here to help.