Research has shown that your ability to find a deeper meaning in your struggles can aid in recovery. However, if you are struggling with your mental health, it can be very challenging to find purpose and make sense of it. When you are in those dark places in your mind, it can feel impossible to find any positives. So, how can you identify meaning and find purpose to inspire you to keep moving forward when you might feel like all hope is lost?

When I was a caregiver for my late wife in the final stages of her battle with cancer, it was exceptionally difficult. We saw the end nearing and knew there was nothing else we could do to make a difference. I was in a state of despair – all hope was lost.

I knew there were no positives to be found in our situation. There was nothing that could make it better. If someone had told me to look at the bright side, I would have had a hard time not lashing out.

At a time when there was no hope, I had to turn to faith instead. There was no explanation for it, all that suffering, what was it for? I knew I had to search for meaning because it couldn’t be for nothing. That’s where faith came in. I didn’t know what the future would hold, but I maintained faith in myself that I could make it through. Whatever happened, I resolved to take the steps necessary to overcome the devastation I knew would happen.

In that faith, I also found meaning. I had no idea what the future would involve, but I had faith that I would grow from this. I knew I would emerge a stronger person, more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding. I would become more than my struggles. I knew I would use these experiences to help others. I didn’t know how or when, but I knew that someday, I would be able to share my perspectives to provide hope and inspiration for others who are struggling.

If you are in the struggle, finding meaning isn’t about putting a silver lining on what you are going through. Your traumas and struggles are not glorious. They involve unimaginable pain and suffering. However, there is growth in your struggle. You are becoming more – because of what you are enduring.

Although you may not have hope for the future, you don’t need hope to succeed. Others have trod this path you are on and made it through to the other side. You can foster your faith in yourself and faith in your ability to endure. If you keep taking the steps, you will emerge a stronger person. Growth comes from your adversity, and you will be better able to share these hard-earned gifts with others.  

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to find meaning in my ordeals. I would tell myself that it would be unimaginably difficult, but I could do it. I would become a better person who can continue to do good in the world. You may not see what the future holds, but you can have faith in your ability to do what it takes to make it through.

So, remember, no matter how dark your situation is, when hope fails, faith prevails. You can look for faith in your resilience, the support from the people around you, and in who you are becoming. I have faith in your ability to make it through. You just need to know the next step and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You will get there.