Episode 7: Choose Hope on Your Mental Health Journey
Imagine you’re on a long road trip. You’re exhausted, the map is confusing, and you’re not even sure if you’re heading in the right direction. Then, out of nowhere, you see a sign—maybe it says “Rest Stop Ahead” or “Scenic Overlook.” And in that moment, you breathe a little easier because you know you’re still moving forward.
That, my friends, is hope. It’s not a destination—it’s a signpost reminding us that even when we don’t have everything figured out, we are still on our way.
Today, let’s talk about how to recognize, choose, and hold onto hope, even when the road feels never-ending.
Hope is a Sign, Not a Final Destination
When I started my mental health journey in 2013, there were more times than I can count when I felt completely overwhelmed. I questioned whether things would ever get better. But over time, I learned that hope isn’t a place we arrive at and stay forever. It comes and goes, just like the road signs on a long trip.
One of the biggest moments of realization for me was in a group therapy session in 2015 or 2016. Someone said something so simple yet so profound: No storm in our life lasts forever. That stuck with me.
And now, one of my personal signs of hope is seeing the sun break through the clouds. It’s a small but powerful reminder that even after the darkest storms, light will return.
Finding Hope in Unexpected Places
In 2020, right before the pandemic, I was struggling—big time. Work was stressful, I wasn’t taking my medication consistently, and I felt stuck in a cycle of despair. When quarantine hit, I secretly felt relieved that I didn’t have to be around certain colleagues who made things harder. But deep down, I knew I needed help.
Months later, I finally admitted to my therapist that I had stopped taking my medication. She was so mad at me (rightfully so!) and told me I needed to find a new prescribing physician ASAP. That push led me to the psychiatric nurse practitioner I have now—someone who truly listens, partners with me in my care, and helps me manage my mental health.
The funny thing? Hope arrived before the medication even started working. Just knowing I had someone in my corner, working with me, made all the difference.
Hope Can Be Small (And That’s Okay!)
Sometimes we expect hope to be this huge, life-changing thing—but in reality, it often shows up in small, quiet ways:
🌤️ The warmth of the sun on your face.
📩 A text from a friend out of the blue.
😂 A meme that makes you laugh when you need it most.
🐱 A cuddle from a pet who loves you unconditionally.
And then there’s my favorite reminder:
👉 You have survived 100% of your hardest days so far.
If you’re reading this, it means you’ve made it through everything life has thrown at you up until this moment. And that? That’s hope.
What If You Don’t See Any Signs of Hope?
There were times in my life when I couldn’t see any signs of hope. If that’s where you are right now, I want you to know—you are not alone. Sometimes, we have to trust that hope is there, even when we can’t feel it.
Here are some ways to borrow hope when you can’t find your own:
📝 Journal it out. Writing down your thoughts can help bring clarity to the chaos in your mind.
💬 Lean on someone. A friend, a therapist, a support group—sometimes we need to borrow hope from others.
🎵 Listen to music that lifts you up. Sometimes, a song can say what we can’t.
📖 Reflect on how far you’ve come. Think about something that was once hard for you but isn’t anymore.
How to Recognize Signs That You’re Growing
Healing isn’t a straight line. Some days, it’s two steps forward and one step back. But progress is happening—even if you don’t feel it. Here are a few ways to spot it:
✨ You set boundaries (even if it feels uncomfortable).
✨ You rest without guilt (because rest is productive!).
✨ You don’t take things as personally as you used to.
✨ You ask for help when you need it.
✨ You make space for joy, even in small ways.
Growth isn’t always obvious—but it’s there. You are changing. You are healing. You are moving forward.
Take a Moment to Acknowledge Hope
Before you close this page, I want you to do one thing:
💡 Take a deep breath.
💡 Think of one small thing that reminds you that you are still on your journey.
💡 Maybe it’s a warm cup of coffee, a smile from a stranger, or the fact that you’re still here, still trying.
If you don’t feel hopeful right now, that’s okay. I will hold hope for you until you can hold it for yourself. 💙
Need Support? You Are Not Alone.
If you’re struggling, please know that help is available. One resource I love is the Crisis Text Line—a free, 24/7 mental health support service.
📱 Text HOME to 741-741 (US) to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
You deserve support. You deserve peace. You deserve hope.
Let’s Stay Connected!
I’d love to hear from you:
💌 DM me on Instagram at @TherapyThriftShop
📧 Email me at hello@therapythriftshop.org
💬 Tag a friend who has been a signpost of hope for you!
