TOPIC

Despair



Despair is the combined feeling of hopelessness and helplessness—that no external or internal effort can change the current circumstances of suffering. It is perhaps one of the most painful and overwhelming emotions, capable of breaking our spirit like no other. The great counter to despair is hope, though even when it is found in unexpected places, we have to be willing to see it.

If you or someone you know is in immediate need of support, please seek professional help. If you are in crisis, here are some immediate free resources.

FindCenter Video Image

Dark Nights of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Your Way Through Life’s Ordeals

Moore shows how honoring periods of fragility as periods of incubation and positive opportunities to delve into the soul’s deepest needs can provide healing and a new understanding of life’s meaning.

FindCenter AddIcon
FindCenter Video Image

FindCenterHappiness is the greatest hiding place for despair.

FindCenter AddIcon
FindCenter Video Image

Despair

Despair is a very intense feeling of hopelessness. The feeling can be described as a mix of misery, discouragement, anguish, agony, and distress.

FindCenter AddIcon
FindCenter Video Image

Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life

“There is a part of the soul that stirs at night, in the dark and soundless times of day, when our defenses are down and our daylight distractions no longer serve to protect us from ourselves,” writes beloved author, Joan Chittister.

FindCenter AddIcon
FindCenter Video Image

How to Survive an Avalanche of Sorrow

The author of Discovering Your Soul Signature shares his unexpected take on one of life’s hardest emotions—and how to get back to joy again.

FindCenter AddIcon
FindCenter Video Image

FindCenterSuffering is part of our training program for becoming wise.

FindCenter AddIcon
FindCenter Video Image

Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope

Everyone goes through times of pain and sorrow, depression and darkness, stress and suffering. It is in the necessary struggles of life, however, that we stretch our souls and gain new insights enabling us to go on.

FindCenter AddIcon
FindCenter Video Image

7 Steps to Overcome Daily Despair and Start Living Again

No matter how bad life seems, you can find the way out of despair.

FindCenter AddIcon
FindCenter Video Image

Why Are You Afraid? Have You No Faith?

The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on our lives, and the same is true for the Church. Masses were suspended for months, people could not receive the sacraments, and during that time Pope Francis celebrated Mass alone every day.

FindCenter AddIcon
FindCenter Video Image

FindCenterIf we are to find our way across troubled waters, we are better served by the company of those who have built bridges, who have moved beyond despair and inertia.

FindCenter AddIcon

UP NEXT

Grief