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Everything in my life is messed up. Motivation works temporarily and I'm not suicidal but feel it's pointless to live like this. What should I do to feel hopeful?

247 Answers
Last Updated: 05/27/2022 at 3:54am
Everything in my life is messed up. Motivation works temporarily and I'm not suicidal but feel it's pointless to live like this. What should I do to feel hopeful?
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Jennifer Patterson, LMFT

Art Therapist

Life can be messy. Sometimes you need a little support to make your way through it. I love to help guide people through their challenges & to find the beauty in our messes.

Top Rated Answers
JaneSustenListens
May 7th, 2022 2:25am
No feel lasts forever, no emotion is permanently fixed in you. If nothing else, wait, and wait. Sometimes finding a book or podcast to binge can help with the day to day. Each day you get through is a victory, no bad day will happen again you literally only need to get through it once. I’m sorry you are going through this, and I’m sorry everything feels messed up. I hope things get better for you sooner rather than later. Sometimes it helps me to accept I will go through periods of feeling hopeless or helpless, and that it will eventually pass.
kira005
April 20th, 2022 4:35pm
i feel the same especially as i have adhd motivation is never a permanent thing i think what works best for me is that i just figured out my purpose of living for example i want to make my life as meaningful as it can be and just be a genuinely good person in this cruel society and give back as much as i can for that i need to have a career and tor that i need to study that’s a cycle of forced motivation i use often as you are not suicidal i think you should take a chance to step back and ask yourself what u really want to be by that i don’t really mean in a “ career way” i mean what you really want be like as a person what habits do u want to have or what traits you would prefer to have thinking about these things can make u more aware of ur own personality and preferences and that’ll help you if not motivated atleast hopeful or feeling like u have something to work on and what makes it more easier the thing u wanna work ok is yourself so you don’t really need other people
wonderfulPink2477
March 13th, 2022 2:09pm
I’ve been in a situation when I felt like everything was meaningless and life felt pointless. It made me feel so detached from life and like I was failing in every single way. It didn’t help either that people around me weren’t supportive. It was a very tough time and many times I felt like giving up. So I get what you mean, it’s so frustrating. But you know your situation the best and the best possible solutions that would get you out of that funk. You’re life feels messed up, but you’re not a mess. You’re capable of achieving good things and messing up is a part of life.
Anonymous
January 27th, 2022 2:09pm
Motivation is inconsistent/limited and even more so if you are feeling low. The important thing to do is rather than focusing on your life as a whole, just focus on your day. Even better, focus on the next hour or two and ask yourself, "what can I do to feel better right now?' The best thing is definitely going for a walk, getting fresh air, clearing your mind get the blood flowing. Think about the things you enjoy doing, but make sure they are simple and doable. Once you feel better it is easier to do things that are less fun. Our brains get overwhelmed if a task is too big, we need to break it down into tiny little tasks. When you do that suddenly life doesn't feel pointless or messed up. We can tackle all obstacles if we break them down into tiny steps.
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2022 9:53pm
Sorry to hear it, you must have been feeling overwhelmed. But that's OK, this happens sometimes. Perhaps you could find something you enjoy doing before and pick them back up! I know that you may feel like not sensing any motivations even for things you use to enjoy doing. You could also make some plans or goals which you would like to pursue, talk to your friends and family, or maybe spend some time on your own, go to your favorite restaurant. I am sure you will get through it! and remember, you are not alone, and we are here for you!
Anonymous
January 19th, 2022 1:06am
When I feel hopeless, I take it as a sign of burnout or stress. I have learned over the years that these feelings of hopelessness are the times when I need to listen to my body. I try to remember my family and friends and all the wonderful times I have shared with them. I also put on a comfort movie or two. It might be helpful to take time to reflect on what events have made you feel this way, it can also be a good time to journal and listen to music, write, sleep, talk to someone you love; these are the things that help me to feel hopeful again.
Vithleem
January 12th, 2022 11:17pm
What I understand is that something in your life right now troubles you. It is very normal to feel like that at some point. Why don't you try to communicate with people who feel the same way? Some of your friends might be experiencing similar problems! Even a small talk can help because you will give voice to your thoughts. You can also go for a walk outside and try to observe your surroundings. At the same time, try to take some deep breaths and, finally, remind yourself of all the difficulties that you have managed to overcome throughout the years
cuddlyIceCream2704
January 7th, 2022 7:10am
If you find yourself unable to find motivation that 'sticks', it may be a sign that it is time to create space to explore and re-evaluate what is valuable to you. What is important to you in life, what motivates you, what gives your life meaning? What would you like to accomplish at the end of your life - or conversely, what kind of life would you feel unsatisfied about leaving? Confronting these difficult questions will bridge a path to self unity. It is often disillusionment with ourselves or strife between conflicting motivations that is the core cause of depressive and apathetic symptoms. When we are unable to reconcile this (often because we are afraid or avoiding) we enter a state of imbalance. True motivation is that which challenges us and requires real courage to accept, while false motivation only hides these problems from us momentarily.
Adanna8
October 24th, 2021 1:03pm
Hi. This is strictly my opinion: Take some time off. Think about the good parts of life. Think about the parts of your life that make you happy, reasons why you should stay strong and just not succumb to that hopeless feeling. Write down the things that make you feel hopeful, the things that make you feel alive, and think of them when ever you need motivation. Avoid feeling sorry for yourself. When thoughts like that come, think about why you should feel proud of yourself instead. Think about what you want for your future, and how you can't get it by staying that way. Staying Motivated can be hard, but you can do it.
Anonymous
October 7th, 2021 6:45am
It would be to find the purpose in life or perhaps a goal you would like to achieve or for some what helps them to be hopeful is the constant reminder of how beautiful or fun their future is going to look like. All these are are easier said than done i must admit but if you are willing to spend even little time to do something you love or find it, that would make you feel hopeful to and even increase confidence. These things are common things someone would tell you and they are right but in order to get this feeling going, you have to start with something small everyday to look forward to, it could that nice cup of coffee you love or even meeting a friend etc....
sourpatchsnail
August 15th, 2021 2:25am
Hey, I've been there too and I know how hard even finding the will to get up can be, and I'm so sorry you have to go through that. Personally, I always try to look for small things that give me that good old serotonin boost, however small. Just today I stopped and smiled for about 5 minutes because I saw This strong sprout breaking through the concrete by a trashcan. As small and common as it is, I just think about how lively that little plant is, even thriving next to literal trash. Some days seeing one nice action exchanged between people is enough to keep me going. If you have the energy for it, journaling can be a great coping mechanism. It allows you to express yourself whether through words or creatively. There also many guides on how to start. Another habit that boosts my mornings is my affirmations. Every morning, I say my daily affirmations. It can be something as small as "I feel hopeful for today" or "today will be less sucky than yesterday", just to remind yourself of how good you're doing. Another good mental boost is reminders. I have an app on my phone (daylio) that let's you log what you accomplish in a day, and even gives you the option to see a progress chart. You can set goals like drinking a certain amount of water, getting x hours of sleep, or even just getting out of bed. When you accomplish those, I get a notification banner to congratulate me, and that always make me feel a bit better. Building habits like these are actually scientifically proven to rewire your brain into thinking more positively. I had a teacher once, whose favorite was to once a day, our class was to write down any one positive thing we can think of and put it in a jar. When we weren't feeling our best, she'd let us open the slips in the jars and read about what's made us happy lately. If everything is feeling grey and muggy as it so often can be, even just finding the tiniest splotch of yellow can make you want to see more. If you've read this far, good on you! You may not know me but know I'm in your corner! :)
Arooba557
July 28th, 2021 4:24pm
We do feel that way, there must be times when we feel hopeless but giving up is not an option, do the things you’ve always wanted to do, something that makes you genuinely happy and relaxed. Focus on yourself and you’ll make it hopefully! 💖 look at the positive side of everything. After every stormy night there’s always a sunny morning. Have faith in yourself, wake up every morning telling yourself you can do it. Take out time to cherish YOURSELF. You’re doing a great job and know that there’s always a meaning to life. You will just be fine.💖
JayAnxietyHarbor
June 30th, 2021 2:59am
A lot of times, people feel this same way. In my personal experience to this, I feel like it's best to do the things that you love, and to do them without feeling like you'll be judged for it. Your life is yours, and going through this state of life is tough, but knowing people care and will be there for you has always been a huge motivator for me. Even if I can't talk to someone in that moment, I know I'll be able to talk to someone eventually, talking to people and knowing they care is an amazing feeling.
Anonymous
June 3rd, 2021 5:02pm
Motivation is important but it is impossible to be motivated 24/7 of your entire life. Rest is equally as important too. If you are struggling to do daily tasks then maybe start with smaller tasks and create small to-do lists every day will help you keep on track of things. There will be days where you will have no motivation at all, and that is ok. Don't dwell in that sense of feeling 'useless' or 'unproductive'. Be patient with yourself and be sure to give yourself rest and self-care when you are burning out. We live in a busy world and a busy society, but it is ok to do absolutely nothing sometimes too.
piyumiw
May 26th, 2021 12:44pm
Find something you enjoy doing. Find something that gives your life purpose. Something that you want to do every time you get up in the morning. A habit. Something that would take up your time. Fing joy in family and friends. Try to make abucket list and do those things that will excite you. Try new things, get new passions, experience hapiness through travelling. Talk to random people. Help people. Volunteer for a cause close to your heart. Get a pet and give it all the love it deserves. Help family with problems. Go for a hike. The possibilities are endless
Anonymous
April 10th, 2021 1:37pm
That is a really hard thing to go through! It's always best to remind yourself that you do have a support system, let it be teachers, friends or family. If you're able to tell them your how you're feeling, they'll be able to lift so much weight off your shoulders and they might be exactly what you needed. I'd also recommend working towards a goal. Maybe if you get 1 hour of work done, you can reward yourself with your favourite chocolate or 2 episodes of a show you're watching. That type of thing. In terms of feeling hopeful, remind yourself why you're doing this. Keep thinking about what it will lead to whether it's a job or school or anything. Just remind yourself that everything will pay off in the end!
kindnessisamust
January 23rd, 2021 4:56am
I am so sorry to hear - Have you been looking after yourself recently? Self - care goes a long way in benefiting your mental wellbeing. Even the little things make a difference like getting enough sleep and exercising :) If you have no motivation to do any self-care activities, start small - take it one step at a time. -With meditation : Start with a 5 minute guided meditation before moving onto longer ones. - Exercise - start with walking, before moving onto jogging, etc. - Sleep - if you have trouble sleeping, try breathing exercises and journaling to vent all your feelings. Hope this helps :)
discreetCranberry4925
December 3rd, 2020 2:39am
Know that your life can and will change. You can change your life. Help is available. Take advantage of it. Don't isolate yourself. You are alive and every day forward is a new day. Where you are in your life with your problems is temporary. Again, you can get help if you seek it. I hope that this helps. You can change your thinking and change your circumstances. You are already trying to be hopeful. You can do it. You are trying to get support. Please get some help. Take it one step at a time and your life will not feel so overwhelming.
Anonymous
November 21st, 2020 4:44pm
A key factor in solving problems is firstly, identifying the problem. It may sound like it’s really obvious at times but once you take note of it, you’ll see that there may be more to a feeling then you think there is. That’s how you start on the journey of re-enacting the feeling of hope. Starting out with the temporary motivation would be my first approach into solving something like that. I would ask myself what, when, where, how and who are the key sources that impact on my motivation. “When am i more motivated?’’, and “what makes me motivated” or “when is my limit” is what I would ask myself. This will be made clear to you what you should avoid and what you should consider trying to practice more. Notice how I hadn’t ask myself why I feel the way I feel. In my case, it’s like asking why do you breathe? I breathe because I live so as I feel because I’m alive. It’ll only keep you running in circles and dwell in your own assumptions. The next thing I would do is to rationalize and my own opinions or assumptions with things that are actually happening around me. (I do not mean or is assuming that what you know is not true but there are times when our emotions are much stronger than reality) I understand it’s a hard exercise to do but there’s nothing that willingness, practice and consistency cannot improve. Asking what am i telling myself, what am i assuming, what conclusions am i drawing to myself and is there relevant reason or logic behind it is important. This will help you realize and label your emotions that leads you to think that life’s just black and white. The other reason why identifying and realizing is so important is because it’ll give you a sense of purpose to keep going. Hope comes from changes and changes come from effort in solving the issues. I really hope this helped even if it’s a little bit. I understand where you’re coming from because I’ve been there before myself. I wish the best of luck for you!
Anonymous
October 26th, 2020 3:35am
I have felt like this too. I started to learn new skills and practise old ones to keep me engaged and away from all the negativity. you could learn to develop a new mindset this way and you will see yourself enjoying it. this new skill can be singing, learning a new instrument , dancing, painting. just tell yourself that everything in life will just sort out fine and whatever is my situation right now, it will not remain forever. this too shall pass one day. try to avoid if the negativity around you is too much, talk to new people and make new friends. talking to a new set of people doesn't mean u will tell them about the bad things that are happening right now in your life, u can just make a good conversation about good and happy things. all this need to b done to distract yourself from the negativity. stay happy and blessed dear!
friendlyK
October 18th, 2020 6:27am
Depression to me is when nothing is wrong around me but everything inside feels hopeless and a wreck. No money problems, no family problems but inside is a wreck. Things that once brought you joy no longer seemed fun. Concentrating was so hard and almost impossible. And you try a lot of things to make yourself better but everything is futile. I understand you feel like this but there will be better days and you will push through them you need to be here for your friends and family don't give up buddies, life's to short :)
Anonymous
October 7th, 2020 11:04am
I feel this way often mainly because of the situation right now but I have noticed that keeping a journal helps. I write down things I am great full for including even the simple things such as food and I also include some goals that I want to achieve in a day these consist of for example, 3 out of 5 things that I would normally do in a day such as taking a shower or watering my plants. At the end it makes me happy that I checked off some things on the list and my day was not a waste.
delicateCat32
September 26th, 2020 4:53pm
When I’m not feeling like life is working out I try to focus on the positive things, and how I can change what i am able to change. Struggling with finding purpose is hard, but focusing on things that make you happy can help. Going for a walk or meditation can help clear your head. Writing in a journal (on your device or get a book specifically for your thoughts and dreams) that are only for you to see is something that helped me. I don’t feel judged, and I can just be me. I hope this helps, and just stay strong things will change if you work towards it ?
Anonymous
September 6th, 2020 12:54pm
I totally understand the way you are feeling, sometimes you have those days where you get out of bed and have zero motivation and no energy, try to just breath for a second, and think about what makes you happy, and why you are still alive. For example your best friend and partner your dog anything that you feel a connection with, then get up and do what makes you happy, live for you not anyone else. If you feel unmotivated, listen to a podcast about motivation. Don’t just sit around, do what makes you happy. Life is never pointless I promise you, you were put on this earth for a reason, you just need to figure out what it is.
proudPeace77
August 9th, 2020 8:45pm
Why don't you keep a victory log of all the things that you have achieved in your life so far that are positive, and write a plan for yourself every day so that you have something to look forward to say like 1. Read a book 2. Go for a walk 3. Watch tv show, and put mealtimes inbetween and stick it on your kitchen wall? You are not alone in feeling like its pointless to live, we just have to remind ourselves of our past triumphs and how we can achieve them again, and remind ourselves of our friends and family who care about us very much.
PotFullOfSky2020
April 18th, 2020 3:25pm
When you are motivated, perhaps try and set yourself simple tasks to carry out each day, like a chart maybe with three (or so) achievable goals a day. These could be things like 'Get out of bed' 'Get washed and dressed' 'Prepare and consume a meal' 'Go for a walk'. Use that motivation on those days to ensure you're setting yourself up to stay focused on your tougher days. Perhaps you could reward yourself at the end of the day/week if you do get those things done. This is also a really good way of keeping track of what you have completed too.
Anonymous
April 15th, 2020 5:37pm
I have experienced this and I definitely know how it feels to not have a purpose to live. All I can say is that this is the best time to find something you are passionate about! Discovering new hobbies and talking to people who make you feel better rather than bringing you down will help - this can be anyone from a close family member to someone who you are in the process of becoming friends with. Just focus on the things that make you happy, and you will learn to love to live for them. Take care and stay safe!
Anonymous
April 15th, 2020 7:33pm
Life is all about ups and downs. Happiness only lasts for so long. And if your feeling less motivated or that its pointless living. It's not. I promise it will get better. Instead of waking up or going to sleep with dread just say Today I'm going to be happy. And don't let anyone bring you down. find your fire. I know you can do it. And remember your not alone in this fight. If your ever feeling down or just need someone to talk to feel free to message me. I'm here for you and I love u. I hope this answers your question.
LoveSupportHappiness
April 18th, 2020 8:40am
I understand that at times we may feel like everything we are working for is pointless. Especially when we don't see the results immediately. In those times, we must stay strong and clearly remember our goals. Sometimes writing them on a piece of paper, and displaying it where we can see it often (eg: above your study desk), can help keep you driven. Start one day at a time. Plan out all your time with a schedule, but don't forget to give yourself some time off, too! Try and stick to the plan as much as you can, but don't get upset in case you are not as productive as you had hoped. Sometimes the results are not obvious and prompt when you are working towards something, but please dont get discouraged. Work hard towards your goals!
CourageousHeart1602
April 10th, 2020 7:11pm
I can completely empathize with that feeling. It can be quite suffocating. Usually what I have learned from when I feel that way is because I have so many suppressed feelings and thoughts that they are beginning to seep out of my "ice fortress" and draining me. Sometimes all you can do is just talk out your feelings and thoughts to someone, acknowledge the existence of those thoughts and feelings, cry if those tears spill until you feel lighter. Forcing yourself to feel hopeful from a depressive state is unfair on yourself. You can, however, allow yourself to feel lighter by not denying the thoughts and feelings you have. Healing takes time but eventually, you get there. I hope you feel better, love.