The Power of Hope: 4 Steps That Helped Me Heal

I often get asked what helped me through my most difficult times, what stopped the panic attacks, the suicidal thoughts, the depression. The truth is, there wasn’t one magic solution. My recovery has been shaped by many things: therapy, counselling, learning about mental health, and most importantly HOPE.

Back in 2003, I lost both of my parents. At the time, I was serving in the military, and I reached the lowest point in my life. I didn’t see a future. I felt like running away, even though I knew I couldn’t. In the military going AWOL (Absent Without Leave) had serious consequences. But that urge to escape was very real.

What kept me alive wasn’t duty. It was HOPE, that quiet belief that change was possible, even if I couldn’t see how yet.

I started seeing a counsellor. It wasn’t easy, there were tears, anger, disconnection, but slowly I began to believe I could rebuild. HOPE was the light that guided me through the darkness. It reminded me that even the smallest shift can lead to something new.

Over the years, I’ve reflected deeply on what HOPE has meant in my life. I created this simple framework to help others hold on to that same belief in change.

H.O.P.E – A Framework for Healing

H = Help

There was a time I believed no one could help me. That no one truly understood. But I learned that reaching out is the first and most important step toward recovery.

We don’t have to go it alone. Whether it’s a friend, family member, colleague, or a trained professional, connection matters. Support is available. Today, a quick online search can direct you to resources in your area. Please don’t suffer in silence. Speaking to someone is an act of strength, not weakness.

O = Observe

Start to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Our thoughts shape our emotions, and when we become more aware of them, we gain the power to respond rather than react.

For a long time, I lived on autopilot. I believed every thought, especially the negative ones. But now, I pause and question them. Is this thought a fact or just an opinion? Instead of thinking, “I’ll never get better,” I now ask, “What can I do to support my recovery?”

You don’t need to control every thought. This is about awareness and gentle curiosity. And it can change everything.

P = Persistence

Change doesn’t happen overnight. There were moments I wanted to give up on therapy, on self-help books, on healing altogether. But persistence kept me moving forward, even when the progress was slow.

Ask yourself: Why am I doing this? What do I hope to gain? What tools or skills will help me cope better?

Persistence also applies to getting support. I was fortunate to receive counselling quickly while in the military. I know that’s not always the case, especially with long NHS waiting lists. But please don’t stop asking for the help you need. Keep pushing. Keep advocating for yourself.

E = Empower

To be empowered is to reclaim your strength, to take back control over your life and choices.

Through self-discovery, I learned more about my values and beliefs. I began making decisions based on what mattered to me. I started looking ahead and asking: What do I want from my life?

Empowerment doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It means believing that your future is yours to shape.

Final Thoughts

This HOPE framework has been at the heart of my healing journey. While everyone’s path is different, I truly believe that with the right tools and support, recovery is possible.

If you’re struggling right now, hold onto hope. Nurture it, even if it feels small. Let it grow.

You never know where it might lead you.

You're welcome to reach out for a free consultation via the contact page on this website. Your journey doesn't have to begin with certainty. It just needs to begin.