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My patients often feel hopeless because they think they've tried everything to make life better. But, let's be serious, no one has tried everything. Maybe you've tried 10 things—changing some behavior, therapy, medication, etc. When none of these things change your life drastically, you conclude, "See, it's hopeless." But there are different kinds of therapy, different techniques and combinations of different medications to try. Aside from outside help, you might consider giving up on ways of thinking and acting that haven't worked for you: worrying, complaining, avoiding, isolating and taking things personally. Every time you catch yourself doing one of these things, remind yourself that it just doesn't work. But other things might work: accepting, tolerating discomfort, doing what you don't want to do but what could be good for you.

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