10 Therapist Tips for Finding Hope in Dark Times

Just take a little break

One of the most important things that people should do when they feel stressed is to take a break for a minute, don’t talk, just look around and focus on your breathing. 

“When you’re stressed or anxious, your breathing can get irregular, and shallow breath affects our autonomic nervous system (ANS), which can make us feel anxious and negative,” says Roseann Capanna-Hodge, an integrative and pediatric mental health expert in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

According to experts, breathing deeply and intentionally can calm down your nervous system, which reduce stress.

Talk to your loved ones

Sometimes the best solution to cope with stress is to talk to your loved ones about your problems, especially because they will understand you and may experience the same feelings as you.   

“Collectively, we are all going through unprecedented times of uncertainty and trauma,” says Erinna. “You may find that you are not alone in how you are feeling and can find some sense of solace by leaning on your support system.”

You can simply ask them how they find hope during these times. “You can even ask that question of social media and inspire others to look within and share what works for them. It can feel so good and hopeful knowing that you have prompted a search that brings hope and possibilities to others,” said Kathleen Murphy, a licensed marriage and family therapist and executive clinical director at Breathe Life Healing Centers.