Feeling hopeless
If you feel hopeless or are thinking about ending your life, please reach out now. Free support is available. If you’re in danger, call your local emergency number.
Feeling that things won’t get better, or that nothing you do will help. Hopelessness can feel completely true in the moment, but it often changes, especially with support.
Where it sits on the wheel
Hopeless is in the outer ring, under Sad › Hurt.
A gentle prompt
You don’t have to find hope today. Has anything helped you through a hard moment before, even something very small?
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Something that might help right now
People you can talk to, free, in many countries.
Feelings near hopeless
Hurt (one ring in)
Hurt is the pain itself; hopeless is feeling that things won’t get better. Hopelessness can change, especially with support.
Heartbroken (also under Hurt)
Heartbroken is sadness about what was lost; hopeless is feeling that things won’t get better.
Grieving (also under Hurt)
Grieving is sorrow for what was lost; hopeless is feeling that nothing will get better. Grief can bring moments of hopelessness.
About the feelings wheel
Hopeless is one of the 104 words on the Slow Days feelings wheel, and the list of feelings has them all. The wheel isn’t a test or a diagnosis.
If a feeling has been heavy for a while, or you don’t feel safe, please talk to someone you trust or reach out for free support. If you’re in danger, call your local emergency number.