Feeling Stuck? 3 Ways to Climb Out of the Dumps

Have you ever felt like you knew something did not feel right? Or a vague feeling of apathy towards life in general? This “stuck” feeling can feel magnified by apathy and constant stream of negative thoughts. While feeling stuck in life is a common experience, it can also feel isolating and depressing. For many folks feeling stuck can happen at different stages of life such as: early career, transitions from singlehood to partnership, mid-life, or even after a pandemic. Whatever your unique situation is, recognizing the cause behind feelings of stuck is critical.  

How to Unstuck Yourself  

Feeling stuck can happen for numerous reasons, and pushing through these feelings to make positive change can be difficult. You may feel paralyzed by fear, trapped by financial, familial, or relational stressors. Here are three ways to stop feeling stuck in life: 

• Identify what you truly want 

  • Create a vision board on what matters to you and what you want in your life. Have fun with it!  Ask yourself what five things that you loved as a child. Additionally, you can picture the perfect place, thing, or state of mind through your inner child. Add quotes or words from magazines on a large white piece of paper.  This exercise can clarify your hopes, goals, and dreams with measurable steps towards goals. 

• Recharge through radical self-care  

  • Do what you need to look after yourself through a good diet, sleep hygiene, mindful movement, and connection. Being in nature and playing does wonders for emotional wellness.  Suggestions for self-care: 

    • Do a quick trauma-informed yoga class 

    • Go for a walk 

    • Take a month long social media break 

    • Make a gratitude list before bedtime 

    • Take a monthly mental health day 

• Choose self-love 

Silence your inner critic and choose to be your own best friend. When you love yourself and practice self-compassion, it can help replenish motivation. Additionally, requesting positive support from your village is an important aspect of your well-being. Maybe you can establish new ones from a board game or trivia night group. 

If you have persistent feelings of anxiety, grief, or depression, contact Resolve at 913-735-0577 or email intake@kcresolve.com to book an individual adult therapy appointment. 

-Angelique Foye-Fletcher