Misty Buck: Importance of Hope in Mental Health Recovery

By: Misty Buck, Athlete Mental Health Coach and Contributor to HOFH

April is the National Month of Hope

Where there is darkness, there is also light. Hope brings light into situations that may otherwise seem insurmountable, like mental health struggles or physical ailments. One of the critical elements of healing is to believe that you can heal, that things will work out, and everything will get better. Most importantly, hope is what allows us to know that we’ll be okay, which fosters both compassion and resilience.

You might not think about hope as something that is crucial to your overall mental wellbeing. However, hope is a foundational piece of a growth mindset. It is what brings courage, action, and faith together. Whereas thoughts like “I can’t,” “happiness isn’t meant for me,” and “things will never change” hold us back, a focus on the possibility of betterment can propel us forward through the toughest of moments.

Benefits of hope.

Many research studies have pointed to the benefits of hope in not just physical health, and lifespan, but also in mental health recovery. Studies have shown that people who are hopeful often make healthier choices which can lead to better outcomes. There is also research that found that having optimism for the future along with hope can help you be more goal-oriented, which can help you be more successful. Furthermore, while depression is often associated with a sense of hopelessness, acknowledging hope even in small ways can help you interject light into your mindset. It can help you see that there is possibility even when it seems that all is lost, or you’re at rock bottom.

Hope is a mindset.

In a study titled, “The importance of hope against other factors in the recovery of mental illness,” the researchers concluded that:

Ultimately, hope is just as important in recovery from mental illness as in physical illness because hope matters in any situation - the only difference is that in mental

illness, the endpoint is much harder to rationalize in the patient's mind because it requires an awareness that one's mental state is not fixed, the truth being that mental illnesses are not part of one's nature, but are states of mind which can be changed in many instances. Therefore, we must work even harder to ensure this belief is instilled in those suffering from mental illness because hope offers the means by which a better future can be perceived; and therefore, achieved. (Acharya, T., & Agius, M. (2017). The importance of hope against other factors in the recovery of mental illness. Psychiatria Danubina, 29(Suppl 3), 619–622.)

Hope is not simply a wish. It is an action that takes place in the present moment. It is a choice, and the result of making a choice is an action. This is not to say that hope alone will solve every problem, but it certainly is an important foundational piece in recovery. It provides evidence that there are good things in life, and faith in the unseen (e.g., with patience, the sun will emerge from the clouds.)

Ways to be more hopeful

● Be grateful for even the smallest of things. You possess many gifts.

● Acknowledge your wins.

● Be open to the possibility that anything can happen.

● Pause and choose your mindset.

● Believe in yourself and that you have both the ability and capacity to grow.

● Accept that you can go through tough times and be okay.

● Have faith that even though you can’t see the future, it is a bright one, especially when you’re willing to do the work.

There is hope for individuals who suffer from mental illness, addiction, and alcoholism. Contact the Hall of Fame Health (HOFH) concierge call line at (866) 404-HOFH to find out more about treatment centers, health services, and providers. The service line is open to athletes and non-athletes. Scholarship funds may be available on a case-by-case basis through Fund Recovery. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or require emergency assistance, please call the HOFH Crisis Line at 866-901-1245, call 911, or head to your nearest local emergency room.