One can easily loose hope when dealing with a mental health
issue. Feeling hopeless is a common experience not only for those of us
who have experienced mental health difficulties but also for our loved
ones. Loosing hope strikes right at the core of our will to live.
And this “thief of hope” leaves us "feeling" empty and void of any
reason of moving forward.
Not only have I experienced this myself, but also as a group
facilitator I have seen it over and over. Which has brought me to this
conclusion: hope is not a feeling. Rather, hope is a decision. And
when we choose to have hope, in spite of how we "feel", our feelings
will follow. Therefore, there are times I choose to have hope despite what my
circumstances look like much less how hopeless I might feel.
Each of us we must decide in whom or what we place our
hope. For me, my hope is in the Lord. I see him as loving, kind,
gracious and merciful. He has never let be down and is always with me. So,
I choose hope because of his faithfulness, not because of my circumstances or
my feelings. For me, I know I can count on him working all things out for my
good.
If you are feeling hopeless I encourage you to make a decision of
your will to have hope in spite of your feelings or circumstances. Place
your hope in someone or something outside of yourself and your feelings will
follow. I call it the "hope factor"; having hope no matter
what!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace!"
Romans 15:13
