(UPDATED original May 21, 2019 blog post on HOPE because I feel we currently need all the encouragement and HOPE we can get.)
Have you ever felt despair; the complete absence of or loss of hope? In those moments, days and seasons of hopelessness you may have needed someone else to hope enough for you both until you felt flutters of hope again.
Many times in life when darkness invades and the flickering flame of hope is snuffed out by adversity, trauma, grief, experiences etc you think that you'll never see or feel the light of hope once again. Depression can set in for very valid reasons. Remember, night only lasts for a time. Morning light always comes weather you want it to or not. In those moments, days and seasons reach out and get help and allow others in. Describe your feelings and symptoms with a trusted friend, doctor, mentor or professional counselor that can help you reflect on and find what the causes of the despair and hopelessness are from.
For those that need to feel the warmth of hope ..... May you feel the flutters of hope once again. May you be surrounded by that one, two or three 'full of hope' people that can hope enough for you both until you are full of hope; HOPEFUL once again.
And for those of you that are hopeful....be gentle encouragers with those around you that are feeling the darkness of lost hope in their lives. Validate their feelings, sit 'with' them in their darkness not expecting them to join you in your light or expecting them to 'snap' out of it. Encourage them to stay connected and seek help.
Shahna is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in Fresno, Ca. She has a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is an active blog writer on her website at https://shahnaduerksen.wixsite.com/therapy and instagramer at @shahnaduerksen where she writes or posts on mental and emotional health and well being. Shahna hopes to contribute to de-stigmitizing mental illness and making it a normal conversation for all. Shahna loves photography, humor and travel, and often combines the three with crazy mis-adventures. Contact 559-512-0736 to book a therapy appointment with Shahna.
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