Things that can make us feel stuck
We often feel stuck when we we’ve tried everything we can think of to change our situation, but it still doesn’t seem to make much difference. You might notice yourself thinking the same negative thoughts over and over again, until you start to feel powerless, helpless or hopeless.
Remember, how you are feeling right now is valid, but you won’t always feel this way. Things can get better, and there are things you can do that will help.
There are lots of different situations that can make us feel stuck.
These can be things like:
- a difficult living situation
- not having friends or family around to support us
- a difficult relationship with family, friends or partners
- believing that we don’t deserve to feel good or that we’re not good enough
- money worries
- dealing with grief and loss
- pressure to act in a way we don’t want to, or pressure to hide who we are
- trying the things people recommend, but none of them seeming to work
- experiencing abuse
- depression
- being a carer, or feeling responsible for someone else’s wellbeing
- dealing with trauma
Things that can help
Talk to someone
That stuck feeling is really hard to deal with alone. Talking with someone you trust about how you feel and what’s worrying you can be a massive relief.
They may be able to offer you a new perspective, but even if not, sometimes just getting your worries off your chest can really help you to feel less alone.
If you don’t know who to turn to, there are trained professionals who can chat to you online, by phone or by text. You can use our 24-hour YoungMinds Textline to speak to someone – just text YM to 85258 any time, day or night.
Therapy and counselling
Therapy and counselling can be really helpful if you're feeling stuck. Therapists and counsellors can help you get to the bottom of what is really going on with you, so you can start to feel empowered, confident and excited about life again.
Read our blogs and guides if you want to know more about what therapy and counselling is like.
Speak to your GP
If how you’re feeling is affecting your everyday life, then your GP may be able to help. They can give you information about different things you can try to help you get better, as well as what support is available in your local area. If you’re not sure what to say, we have tips and advice on talking to your GP about your mental health that can really help.
Journalling
If you’re feeling stuck, or even if you’re not sure exactly how you’re feeling, it can really help to get your thoughts out on paper. Whether that’s by writing them down, like in a diary, poem or song lyrics, or by expressing yourself in other way like drawing, keeping a journal can be a really good way to organise your thoughts.
Mindfulness
Try something new
Trying something new and finding a hobby which excites us can be a great opportunity to take our mind off our problems, meet new people and give us space to focus on something else, which can be really helpful when we’re feeling stuck.
You could start by seeing if there are any clubs in your area, or if there’s anywhere you could volunteer. You never know, you might discover a new passion!
More help and advice
Take a moment to think about what else might be behind your 'stuck' feeling. Are there other emotions you are trying hard not to feel, or issues you don't know how to deal with? Take a look at our guides for more advice.
Real stories
Read real stories from young people like you.
