SEEING THE SIGNS THAT IT’S TIME TO RESTORE HOPE

A gentle reminder that it may be time to check in with yourself.

 
 

 
 

Life can often feel like a pendulum, swinging back and forth between wonder and weight.

We will always experience plenty of both – and, sometimes, it happens all at the same time. And while it’s completely natural to experience a wide range of emotions throughout our day, it’s also important to recognize when that pendulum swings too far or gets stuck under the weight of it all. If left unchecked, our moments of overwhelm and self-doubt can slowly cloud our vision and erode hope for the future. For moms, in particular, 70% have expressed concern that their negativity about the future may impact their own children’s outlook [1].

Let’s learn to recognize the signs that our sense of hope is waning, so we can seek the support we need to keep life’s pendulum swinging freely.

REFERENCE — [1] RoC skincare Brand Purpose Quantitative Study (US, 300 respondents, July 2023)

 
 

 
 
 

5 SIGNS
It’s Time to Restore Hope

If you feel hope waning as self-doubt creeps in, it may be time to restore hope & optimism.

 
 

1. Your feelings of overwhelm overpower your sense of curiosity.

The demands of daily life and the pressure to have it all together have taken a toll on your once curious and optimistic nature. You feel like there’s a constant cloud of overwhelm hanging over your head. Instead of waking up with a sense of anticipation about what the day might bring, there’s a palpable resignation as you brace yourself for another day of just getting by.

2. You’re feeling fearful and anxious about what’s ahead.

You find yourself constantly on edge, struggling to relax, and may even expect things to not work out with no rational explanation. It’s important to understand that our brains are wired with a negativity bias meant to protect us from the harm that could exist within uncertain situations. But when this protective instinct morphs into a paralyzing cycle of negativity, it’s a clear sign we need to shift the way we’re thinking.

3. You feel withdrawn and disconnected from everything you care about.

You may withdraw from the people and activities that once brought you joy, or notice you’re interacting less with close friends and family – feeling a sense of apathy or detachment from the daily interactions with the world around you. This deep sense of disconnection may leave you feeling even more alone and misunderstood.

 

4. You’re approaching burnout.

Burnout is more than just everyday exhaustion; it’s a deep-seated feeling of depletion, a sense that you’re running on empty with no respite in sight. You might find yourself increasingly irritable, emotionally detached, and feeling a sense of futility in everything you do as your mind and body are crying out for rest.

5. You’re feeling stuck.

Every day starts to feel the same, and you’re feeling unmotivated and unfulfilled. You crave change, but the fear of discomfort overrides action.  While all of these feelings are valid, they often go unspoken. This is a gentle reminder that recognizing these signs and acknowledging your feelings is a courageous step toward seeking support and regaining your sense of hope for the future.

 
 

It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, friend. Connecting with loved ones, a mental health professional, or the SeekHer Circle community can provide moments of reassurance and shared experiences. If you recognize these signs in yourself, consider this a gentle nudge to seek the support you need to restore hope. Your well-being matters.

 
 
 
 

 
 

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Need urgent help & someone to talk to?

Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Text Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

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LOOKING FORWARD IN THE FACE OF REALITY