February 11, 2023

Turning Discouragement into Drive

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February 11, 2023
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5 min read
Two men sitting at a table outside playing chess - Dementia prevention activities from the psychologists at Pacific Coast Psychology
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As COVID-19 has been resurging lately, it is expected that there may be feelings of discouragement and disappointment. People may be feeling more pessimistic than optimistic as it is uncertain when all of this will come to an end. There may be doubt about when it will all be over and despair, in which there seems to be no hope for the future.

While these feelings are valid, there are ways to cope with this discouragement. These ways can help bring positivity and faith that life is still good and will get better.

First, understand that it is normal to experience thoughts and feelings of discouragement especially when responding to changes like those that the pandemic has brought. Additionally, these feelings may come with the idea of missing out on possibilities and opportunities. As mentioned, these are all necessary, normal, and valid feelings to have.

When you find yourself feeling these ways, try these tips to help you:

  1. Accept that this is where you are in the moment — Understand why you are in this situation and what exactly you are feeling and experiencing.
  2. Find the silver lining — Determine the new opportunities that the situation presents. For example, this could be a chance to learn new skills, change your priorities, strengthen your relationships, and even grow as a person.
  3. Connect with others — Share your feelings and ask the people in your world if they ever feel discouraged and what they do to handle it.
  4. Solve a small, achievable problem — This can instill some confidence and show that matters can work out for you.
  5. Build a positive mindset — Focusing on the good things, even if they are small, can help you realize that the situation is not the end of the world.

In all, discouragement is a human feeling and you are bound to feel this way especially with the ups and downs that the pandemic brings. Take the feeling for what it is and use it to your advantage. Turn the discouragement into a drive to strengthen your self-awareness, confidence, connection with others and ultimately a drive to grow as a person.