UCanMakeItIfYouTry – When You Feel Like You’ve Hit Rock Bottom
TOP TIPS
There will come a time when you feel like you hit rock bottom. That is, your life is falling apart. For example, you may lose your job, home, or partner. It seems like you are in the lowest part of your life, and it stinks. The good news is that you can only look up when you are flat on your back. Use these tips to pull yourself up and out of the pit.
1 – Assess Your Situation
Rock bottom looks different to different people. In all cases, it is wise to ask what happened and how you got to this point. Were there external factors or a personal mishap? Be honest with yourself.
2 – Revisit Your Goals
How does reaching rock bottom affect your goals? Do you need to get back on course with your goals, or is it time to create new plans? You can create your own success when you assess your goals and implement strategies to attain them.
3 – Go Easy on Yourself, But Don’t Wallow in Self-Pity
You may want to give into feelings of self-pity. That’s normal. However, wallowing in these feelings won’t help get you out of the mess. Be compassionate with yourself, but let those feelings overtake you.
4 – Meet Your Physical Needs
Sometimes when you hit rock bottom, you let your physical needs go unmet. Now is the time to ensure you eat, sleep, and care for your hygienic needs. As you care for these needs, you will be in a better position to handle your emotional needs.
5 – Take Responsibility
You may want to blame others for where you are, but that may not be true. You can get your life back on track when you are honest with yourself and take responsibility for your actions or inactions in this situation. Once you do this, you can take control of your life and make better decisions.
6 – Talk with Friends
Spend time with friends who care about you. They can help you overcome feelings of isolation and sadness at your lowest point. Friends offer support for both the good times and bad and help you feel connected to the world.
7 – Adjust Your Self Talk
Adjust your self-talk and negative attitude with positive affirmations. When you repeatedly tell yourself that life sucks, your brain will find ways to support that statement. For example, remind yourself that life is good, even if it doesn’t feel that way.
8 – Keep Trying
Slinking off to a corner to lick your wounds only helps for so long. Soon, you need to pick yourself up and get back to life. Learn from the experiences you had and keep moving forward.
9 – Get Help from Professionals
There comes a point when all the steps you are taking stop working. That’s when you need to seek help from a professional. They can help you develop strategies to get back on your feet.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Take some time by yourself and look at what is happening in your life. Are there areas you need to address to get you back to where you want to be? What action steps can you take?
2 – If you are not caring for your physical needs, make that your immediate focus. Take a shower, eat a warm meal, and get some sleep.
3 – Schedule an appointment with a counselor or therapist. Look to them to help you address your feelings and develop the strategies you need to get your life back on track.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
