Suddenly, a class 5 hurricane comes out of nowhere and literally wrecks your life; you discover your health is failing; your best friend commits suicide. These aren’t scenarios from a TV show or movie — they’re tough times that many people face all over the world, and even if you’re not dealing with something so major, you’re still in a state of utter despair.

There is no illness of the mind or body that is easy to deal with. The situation can be overwhelming and it feels like there is no end in sight. But, it can be overcome by taking certain steps in life.

Step back for a second. You’re still able to read this, or you have someone reading it to you. To realize the fact of your existence and what that realization means right now is part of the journey not just to recovery, but to bliss.

When you’re in a state of bliss, what does that look like? Where are you, is there anyone with you, are you relaxed, is there an incredible scent hanging in the air?

Even if the advice I’m about to give you doesn’t put you in a state of bliss, it will help you get closer to a place where bliss is possible.

Below, you’ll discover the initial steps towards recovery — those first essential actions you must take to recover from being in a state of despair. Next, you’ll get tips on maintaining psychological stability once there’s some distance between yourself and whatever is causing you to despair. Finally, you’ll grasp a philosophical standpoint that will help you help others when they are in a state of despair like yours.

Ready to get through this tough moment in your life and emerge a better person? Let’s do this.

1. You Are Not Alone — Cry out for Help

The first and foremost thing you should do when faced with tough times is to cry out for help. You should never feel ashamed of asking for help or admitting that you need it. Talking to someone about how you feel is the first step in addressing the problem.

Isolation is dangerous while you’re in despair. If you break down and do something you can’t take back, there’s a good chance no one is helping you think differently.

Some 70 percent of people who commit suicide are not undergoing mental health treatment, and suicide rates for people between the ages of 34 and 65 have increased by 33 percent since the year 2000. If those individuals who killed themselves had been able to get treatment, it could have saved their lives.

Find a counselor. If you don’t have health insurance and it’s going to cost too much, search for free counseling options in your community. Try the SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727), if you’re at a loss.

Or call a family member or friend if you simply need someone to talk to. Even if you can’t completely unburden yourself, talking to someone is better than the alternative of carrying such a heavy burden.

It is important to cry out for help when you need it.

2. Search Yourself and Be Honest About Absolutely Everything

When you are in a state of despair, you must take a good look at yourself and be honest about everything. You should take a look at your life and ask whether there are any ongoing physical, external issues in your environment making things worse.

Examine your diet and lifestyle for factors affecting your wellness. At this point, it will help to go to the doctor and get a physical exam. Find out where you’re at biologically. Maybe you’re not getting enough vitamins or nutrients, or you’re getting too much of something. You may not be getting enough exercise. Be honest with the doctor. Be honest with your counselor. Hold nothing back when describing your past experiences as well as daily thoughts and habits.

You should be honest with your family and friends. You need to tell them how you feel no matter how hard it is. This is part of one of the most essential steps to recovery: acknowledging your feelings.

3. Get at the Feelings Leading You to a Sense of Despair

Despair is often caused by negative thoughts and feelings. These thoughts and feelings can’t help but bubble to the surface. However, when you dwell on them, they create pathways in your brain. Eventually, once something catastrophic happens, your mind gets overwhelmed because you’ve trained yourself to let bad feelings take control. An excess of bad feelings for a continuous period of time creates despair.

What are the negative thoughts and feelings you’ve had in the past? What are the ones you’re harboring now?

This is not a matter of fault, but it is important to identify what is bringing you down.

4. Now Adjust Your Perspective

Your perspective can often make a big difference in how you feel. When you’re reacting, you’re letting the circumstances control you; when you’re acting, you’re taking control and changing your life.

There are many actions you can take. Prioritize a consistent sleep schedule and get ample sleep every night. Say no to things that are stressing you out and aren’t essential to your well-being.

Prioritize eating healthy foods and spend a little extra on your favorite healthy comfort food of choice. Take more little breaks at work and take time to simply decompress after work.

Consider meditation or other spiritual practices to access your spiritual self. Love yourself — think about your personal qualities and reflect on what makes you lovable.

7. Seek Improvement and Growth

Improvement and growth come from taking action. Start by setting small goals for yourself. Maybe you want to take a walk every day or try a new hobby.

As you begin to improve and grow, you may start to feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This can help you cope more effectively with the challenges in your life.

8. Have Compassion for Yourself

It is important to remember to be kind to yourself. You may have made mistakes in the past, but you are not defined by them. You have the ability to learn from your mistakes and move forward.

Instead of being hard on yourself, try to treat yourself with compassion. Acknowledge your accomplishments and strengths, and focus on ways to improve.

9. Find the Support You Need

Finally, it is important to have a support system in place. Whether it is a family member, friend, or therapist, having someone to talk to and lean on during difficult times can be incredibly helpful.

It is important to seek out the support you need to help you through tough times.

In conclusion, no matter how difficult the situation, no matter how bleak the outlook may be, it can be overcome. By following the steps outlined above, you can take control of your life and work towards a brighter future. Remember, you are not alone, and there is always hope.