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Need to Know
Hopelessness often feels like being stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to see a way forward, leading to withdrawal, loss of interest, or persistent negative thoughts.
Short bouts of hopelessness are common, but ongoing feelings can contribute to harmful outcomes, such as substance misuse, damaged relationships, and even thoughts of suicide. It’s important to speak up and let someone know if hopelessness feels unmanageable.
Social media, with its flood of negative news, social comparisons, and idealized portrayals of life, can deepen feelings of hopelessness and disconnection.
Hopelessness can sometimes be a symptom of mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders. In those cases, professional treatment, such as talk therapy or medication, may be helpful.
Although it’s not always easy, small actions — such as talking to someone you trust, setting tiny goals, or practicing gratitude — can help shift your perspective and provide a sense of renewal.
Recognizing hopelessness as a signal to pause and seek help can be the first step toward healing.
Things to Avoid
Avoid minimizing hopelessness with phrases such as, “Just think positive,” or, “It’ll get better soon,” because they can feel dismissive or unhelpful.
Don’t suggest people can overcome hopelessness alone — community and professional support are often key.
When sharing your own feelings of hopelessness or reasons you’ve felt hopeless, avoid oversharing or providing details without offering ways to cope or manage those feelings. Hopelessness can feel contagious, so focusing on solutions is crucial.
Avoid using overly dramatic or catastrophic language, such as, “There’s no point anymore,” or, “Everything is ruined,” without balancing it with a hopeful or constructive perspective.
Be cautious about verbally sharing thought processes that overanalyze, catastrophize, or imagine worst-case future scenarios tied to hopelessness. Those fears are often disproportionate to the actual threat, and they can make both you and your community feel more overwhelmed.
Your Opportunity
Use your platform to remind people that hopelessness is temporary and that help is always available.
Share stories of recovery and resilience, emphasizing the steps that led to healing to inspire hope and action.
If you talk about what’s making you feel hopeless, pair it with the ways you’re coping or your journey toward recovery to show that healing is possible.
Highlight the importance of reaching out to trusted friends, family, or professionals when hopelessness feels overwhelming.
Encourage small, actionable steps your audience can take — such as journaling, practicing mindfulness, or setting tiny goals — to build momentum and feel more in control.
Share resources for professional support, such as hotlines, therapy options, or video mindfulness practices, to help guide your audience toward help.
Resources
The 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline →
Trained counselors available 24/7, 365 days per year via phone, text, or chat.
The Jed Foundation →
Find resources to understand and deal with hopelessness.
Mental Health is Health →
Find information and resources from this MTV Entertainment Studios Initiative.
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