Hopelessness and the desire for an end: you’re not alone and there *is* a way out

When you feel hopeless and overwhelmed, it’s not a fact — it’s a temporary emotion looping inside you. Maybe you don’t want the end of yourself — but the end of the problem. It’s the worst feeling, but it *is* temporary. There’s a way back from everything except death — that’s a certainty. – signed: friendly individuals from the crowd Call Plavi Telefon: (01) 4833-888 Emergency: 112 Send us an email — we've been on the edge, there *is* a way back

Quick steps you can take

• Remove yourself from danger, go somewhere safe and warm, drink, eat — basic biological needs calm the body.
• Tell yourself: “I’m giving myself 10 minutes and just breathing consciously. 4 seconds inhale, pause, exhale, pause.” Many people quickly feel the intensity decrease.
• .
• Try grounding yourself: list 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell.

A short shift in perspective

You probably *do* want to live — just not like this. And that’s normal. It’s a sign you want change, not an end. You are not this feeling — experience it, then let it pass.

Become aware of the moment (“Aha” effect)

You might just be stuck in a single thought: “It’s my fault”, “Nothing works”, “I’m too deep, I can’t get out”, “Everyone has abandoned me”. Simply realizing you’re doing this is already the first step toward change.

Try telling yourself:

• “I want to feel okay, I just need to wait a little while somewhere safe.”
• “If I think I’m bad, it means I can recognize it — which means I’m becoming better, part of the solution and kindness, not the problem. I just need some support right now.”
• .

Safety plan (one sentence)

Important to remember

This is not shameful. It doesn’t mean you’re bad, weak, or “done”. This is a temporary state, a feeling — not a verdict. It can pass. Many people waited just a little longer, saw the bigger picture, chose to stay, and rebuilt a good life.