Ahhhhh, I dropped the ball on this challenge! It’s not that I haven’t had the time to write a post. I have. I just haven’t felt up to it. I guess I am sinking into another depressive episode.
Most people think “sad” when they hear someone is depressed. For me, being depressed has nothing to do with sad. It is hopelessness. Nothing is important, nothing is interesting, you hate yourself and everything is difficult. The worst part is, life is going to stay like this. Everyday, you push yourself to do the things that are required of you. Sometimes you succeed, which gives you no satisfaction and sometimes you fail which makes you hate yourself some more. Everyday is like this regardless of how hard you push yourself. It just goes on and on like this until you start to wonder, what’s the point?
I started to do some reading about hopelessness. I guess I was looking for ways to overcome it. Anyway, I found out there are nine different types of hopelessness. Wow. There are nine different ways I can feel like this. Great. They all stem from one or more basic needs being disrupted. I was going to summarize the nine types for you, but this article is so short, you can read it. The article is heavy on CBT which, if you read my “C” post, you know I am not a fan of personally. CBT does make sense though, there is no arguing that.
In the end, I think learning about the nine different types of hopelessness will be helpful for me. Feelings are abstract and hard to understand, but they are always tied to a thought or set of circumstances. They don’t just occur in a vacuum on their own. Instead of trying to combat the hopeless feeling itself, I can determine what is causing it or which basic needs are being disrupted. At least this way I have something more concrete to work with.
Give the article a read. Tell me what you think.
H.O.P.E. Hold on, pain ends
Somber Scribbler 
Apr 13, 2015 @ 22:48:10
Very informative article (and linked article). As a person who doesn’t suffer from depression but loves many people who do, it helpful to read posts like this.
Apr 14, 2015 @ 08:14:02
I am glad you found it helpful 🙂
Apr 13, 2015 @ 22:55:41
Interesting article. I had never heard of there being multiple types of hopelessness either, but like you said, that’s good info to have to pinpoint where the feelings are coming from.
I’m sorry you’ve been down lately, hope things look up soon ❤
Apr 14, 2015 @ 08:14:38
Thanks 🙂 I hope so too.
Apr 14, 2015 @ 02:58:21
I’m sorry to hear you are struggling. Do you think you push yourself too hard to achieve? You give the impression of working very hard. Are you drawing for relaxation? Sue
Apr 14, 2015 @ 08:15:51
I probably do push myself too hard, or set my expectations too high. Probably both. I am trying to keep drawing, but I seem to be losing interest in it.
Apr 14, 2015 @ 08:23:26
Remember you are worth far more than you know and be gentle with yourself. Sue
Apr 14, 2015 @ 04:05:45
Who needs all 26 letters anyway! You had a go, that counts. I already knew I wouldn’t get beyond ABC… It’s not easy, but try not to dwell on what’s not done. When things are hard it’s enough to pause to really drink in the aroma of good coffee. Or to smile at the daft shapes you can see in clouds. And like clouds, this too will pass.
Apr 14, 2015 @ 08:17:11
You’re right. The little pleasures are so important. It is hard to remember them when you get bogged down by the big things. Time to step back and live in the moment.
Apr 14, 2015 @ 08:27:53
You have just described how I feel most of the time. Hopeless. The feelings have only intensified in the last year because Mike could sense my despair and help me out of the pit. I’m going to read the nine ways in which I can feel hopeless now…oh yeah. That’s gonna cheer me up…right? Thanks for sharing! I didn’t even get A done. Too overwhelming.
Apr 14, 2015 @ 12:17:31
Good article never knew there were so many different types of hopelessness, when you fall into that chasm it’s can be near on impossible to find a reason to climb out, it just engulfs you, I hope you have good support around you to help you through this episode.
I’m finding the challenge a little bit hard, it’s been a bit like opening up old wounds, but for me it’s something I need to do, so hopefully I’ll get to the end.
Take care:)
Apr 14, 2015 @ 17:17:21
Hopefully you’ll be able to sort through some things, that way the challenge will be worth the difficulty.
Apr 14, 2015 @ 13:07:23
Thanks for being honest with us. Haven’t had a chance to read the article yet, but just wanted to send you a little encouragement. Whatever it is I hope that you work through it, I love reading your blog! 🙂
Apr 14, 2015 @ 17:17:54
Thanks. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment 🙂
Apr 14, 2015 @ 13:14:07
It won’t always suck like this, really, it won’t. And I can say that because I’ve been there, done that, got the lousy t-shirt. 😉 The really difficult part for me was finding things that helped with my particularly unpleasant flavor of depression. Because mine is only half of the bipolar it’s tricky, but I have a great doc who just kept trying me with different meds and behavioral changes. The fight seems daunting right now but trust me, you really are worth it. ❤
Apr 14, 2015 @ 16:18:08
That makes sense, just as there are multiple types of anxiety and depression.
((Hugs)) to you, you know where to find me if you need anything.
Apr 15, 2015 @ 06:37:33
Thanks for sharing the article. I can now understand a friend who is somewhat always depressed. Hugs to you!
Apr 16, 2015 @ 06:05:57
I am at H too and blogging on Mental Health Awareness !
I started with great enthu, but feeling a bit flagged out now. Can relate to how you feel. But do post again, don’t give up yet !
🙂
Apr 17, 2015 @ 16:57:34
So sorry you’re having a rough go. Those time periods are never fun. I hope you feel a bit better soon. If you do get an upswing, you could always jump back in the fray and take on the letters that are left. If you get super ambitious, you could catch back up with double posts. (Wow…just typing that made me tired.) I’m headed over to check out the article, but take care of yourself and don’t be too hard on yourself. It will get better.
Apr 19, 2015 @ 11:20:18
Sorry to hear you’re feeling so hopeless…and it’s completely understandable that you couldn’t finish the challenge. I didn’t even bother to attempt it this year, for that same reason.
I started following your blog when A to Z started but I haven’t found the time or energy to comment as much as I wanted to. But I bookmarked this (and the article you linked) b/c i wanted to make sure and reach out to you.
I also suffer from depression. It’s exactly as you described – hopeless. “Nothing is important, nothing is interesting, you hate yourself and everything is difficult. The worst part is, life is going to stay like this. Everyday, you push yourself to do the things that are required of you.” – and for me I get so frustrated with this life that I seem to have no control over…my needs are always being disrupted or ignored. Anyway…enough about me. I hope you are feeling better today. These things don’t easily go away but sometimes the dark clouds break long enough to see a little sunshine.
Apr 19, 2015 @ 15:41:16
I have never been clinically depressed, but when I came close, I did feel intense hopelessness. Like, I wasn’t even able to see that I had ever felt any better. I am going to check out that article too. Just letting you know you’re not alone feeling overwhelmed by the #AtoZChallenge.
Jun 12, 2015 @ 22:03:49
I hope you’re feeling better these days, haven’t seen you around here for awhile.
Jun 22, 2015 @ 22:19:13
Thanks for checking in. It makes me smile. I am managing, but at capacity for now. I’m hoping to be back soon
Jun 15, 2015 @ 18:47:08
I really hope you beat the depression and come to enjoy your blog again
Popping by on the A to Z Road Trip
Debbie
http://www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com
Jul 16, 2015 @ 17:37:24
I’m so sorry. I know depression well. It sucks. Simple as that. Hang in there and remember everything is in constant flow. Everyday is a new day, a new chance to feel better.
Jul 27, 2015 @ 17:46:43
Hello there.
I’m popping over from the Road Trip.
I hope today is a brighter day for you. Many people do not realize the Bible can be a real source of comfort in such difficult times. Hope you don’t mind, but I feel compelled to share a few Bible truths with you in the hope it will explain a few things and make you feel better. 😉
God created us with a purpose in life – to fill the earth, make it a paradise and live forever (Genesis 1:28, 31). That purpose was delayed when the first human pair rebelled against God. But, our loving God Jehovah did not give up on us or His purpose. You see, God wants you, me, all of us, to enjoy life the way it was meant to be (Psalm 37:29). God has not changed and neither has His purpose (Malachi 3:6). He has promised us a brighter future (Jeremiah 29:11), a time when no one will say they are sick (Isaiah 33:24) and all the tears, suffering and pain we feel today will be done away with (Revelation 21:4, 5). So please, think about these things and take comfort in the knowledge that God cares for YOU (1 Peter 5:7). You can trust God’s promises, but you have to be patient. Everything will be made new again on God’s timetable, not ours.
Wishing you well.
Barbara @ Entrepreneurial Goddess