Feeling stuck in life is a common experience for us humans. I have also gone through “stuck feeling”. For me, being stuck was like a trap. The more I struggled, the more I fell. My mind became a bouncing narrative of negative thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” “What’s the point of trying?” repeated in my mind.
“I’m not good enough.”
“What’s the point of trying?”
“Everyone else gets it.”
Sound familiar? These aren’t real thoughts, but just fears inside your head. I realized that this was the moment I needed to change my ways.
It’s a fact: there’s no such thing as a magic wand that will instantly change your fate. However, there are some practical steps you can follow. Below are some methods that have worked for me that maybe they will work for you, too, or give you an idea to make a plan that works for you:
Be honest about your feelings. Doing so is a big step. Understand this now: Take a deep breath and say out loud, “I’m stuck right now, and that’s okay. It will pass.”
Are you stuck too much? Break your goals down into small and simple tasks. For example:
If you’re stuck on a career change
Remember, every little progress is progress, no matter how small.
Most of us grow by stepping out of our comfort zone. Have the courage to experience something new, even if it feels scary for a while. It could be as simple as taking a new route to work or making a new friend during a conversation.
This process doesn’t have to be lonely. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist. Often, expressing your feelings openly is the antidote you need and can bring you relief and some new understanding.
When plans fail: Be flexible
If you thought, “What if you try these approaches and still get stuck?” Your first step should be to take a deep breath. You’re not failing, just showing yourself a new path. You can do it like this:
The role of professional help
Stuck feeling can sometimes be a symptom of something like depression or anxiety. I recommend taking expert help. Please don’t hesitate. Mental health experts can suggest solutions and address the underlying cause of your emotional state.
In my case, when my mom first introduced me to my psychiatrist, I wasn’t sure if it would work or not. What good could it do to talk to a stranger when I was finding it hard to get out of my own silence? However, in the middle of our sessions, I concluded that mental health professionals are really valuable. This is how it works:
Professional assessment: My psychiatrist’s professional vision helped me gain insights. She said, “The problem you are talking about cannot be just described as ‘a swamp’, but it has its roots in some underlying psychological conflicts that we will address together.”
Customized treatment plans: My psychiatrist didn’t give me the same standard advice as others. She did so after carefully considering my needs. This is where I found cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness exercises, and a mild antidepressant medication to be the perfect fit for me. “Not everyone’s therapeutic path runs in the same direction,” she remarked, “so their therapy plan doesn’t have to be the same either.”
Safe space for exploration: During our sessions, I would feel safe expressing thoughts that were too upsetting to say to anyone else. “This is a place where there is no judgment,” my psychiatrist assured me. The privilege of being so free allowed me to face the problems I hadn’t dared to look at for so long.
Tools for self-management: My psychiatrist also recommended self-management techniques, which eventually proved to be the most valuable tools for me. For example:
Remember that consistency is key. Second, the easiest and the hardest lesson is patience. One of the biggest things I have learned from my psychiatrist is that overcoming the feeling of being stuck is an ongoing process, not a one-day process. There will be times when it will take time, effort, and determination to get to the end. There will be difficulties, and there will be times when it seems like no progress is being made. However, keep going.
Another lesson is to value ourselves and show compassion to ourselves. When we are in a difficult situation, we often tend to be very hard on ourselves, but this only makes the situation worse. I know you know this, but dealing with negative thoughts is possible by being gentle, understanding, and loving towards yourself.
Additionally, keep in mind that feeling stuck is not a permanent condition. This is one of the natural characteristics of a growing and changing human being.
If you’re failing to deal with your feelings of being completely stuck, know that you’re not alone. You and I may be walking different paths, but I’m a hundred percent sure that you already have what it takes to find your way.
Take your time and be gentle with yourself during this time, with the inner feeling that just taking those small steps begins your growth.
If you feel stuck or are thinking about reaching out to a mental health professional, don’t delay. Take action now. Don’t forget that asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It’s actually a step of courage to take control of your life.
Importantly, make sure you get enough rest, get the nutrients you need, and incorporate physical activity into your regular routine. Exercise, in particular, is a powerful, natural remedy for depression and a great way to declutter your mind. So, keep going, keep growing, and have faith in your journey. You can do this.
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