“I’m Useless.” No You’re Not!

Feeling like you’re not finding much purpose in life right now? Or maybe you don’t feel like you are contributing to the world? This can be a very lonely feeling and difficult to manage when you may not even understand why you are feeling this way. Getting out of the slump of worthlessness can be exhausting, so let’s break it down to make it more manageable. 

Where These Feelings May Be Coming From

Feeling useless is a common experience that many people go through at some point in their lives. It can be a result of various factors, including personal circumstances, societal pressure, and individual personality traits. Here are some reasons why someone may feel useless:

1. Lack of Purpose: Many people feel useless because they do not have a clear sense of purpose or direction in life. Without a goal or a sense of direction, it can be challenging to feel like you are making a meaningful contribution to society or even to your own life.
2. ‍Comparing Yourself to Others: Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. Social media and other forms of media can also exacerbate this by presenting an idealized version of life that is impossible to achieve.‍
3. Personal Circumstances: Difficult life circumstances such as financial struggles, illness, or family problems can cause someone to feel helpless and useless. When faced with overwhelming obstacles, it can be challenging to see a way forward and feel like one is making any progress.‍
4. Mental Health Issues: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can cause someone to feel useless and worthless. These conditions can create a sense of hopelessness and make it difficult to find enjoyment or meaning in daily activities.‍
5. Lack of Validation: People need validation from others to feel valued and appreciated. When someone doesn't receive this validation, they can feel like they are not making a difference or contributing to anything.

Track Your Mental Health Using Galvan

Obviously, not every case of feeling useless can be traced to one of these five reasons, so it’s important to evaluate your own mental health. You will be able to use the Galvan app as a reference for your physical and mental health. Galvan is a free mental health app that is launching soon and will help you track your physical and mental health—and rewards you for doing it too! Download the app below. With Galvan you’ll be able to see a more complete picture of your health, assess your heart rate, exercise habits, and even the nearly-imperceptible nuances of your voice to help you track your mental health on a daily basis. Learn more about Galvan here.

How to Feel Useful

Acknowledging that you are experiencing feelings of uselessness is the first step in identifying where they are coming from. Once you have determined why you are feeling useless, you can start to do things that will help you feel more useful. Here are some ideas:

• ‍Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to make a positive impact on others and feel useful at the same time. There are countless volunteer opportunities available in various areas such as animal shelters, hospitals, and community centers.‍
• Learn a New Skill: Learning a new skill can help boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of accomplishment. Whether it's taking up a new hobby or enrolling in a course, investing in yourself can help you feel more useful and confident.‍
• Help Others: Helping others, even in small ways, can give you a sense of purpose and make a positive impact on someone else's life. It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone or offering a listening ear to a friend in need.‍
• Practice Gratitude: Focusing on what you are grateful for can help shift your mindset from feelings of uselessness to feelings of gratitude and positivity. Take time each day to reflect on what you are thankful for, and you may find that you start to feel more fulfilled and useful.‍
• Connect With Others: Spending time with loved ones, joining a club or community group, or volunteering can help you connect with others and feel more connected to the world around you. It can also help you feel more valued and appreciated.‍
• Take Care of Yourself: Practicing self-care is essential for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. Prioritize your physical health by eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of yourself will help you feel more energized, confident, and useful.

Finding Purpose

Finding purpose in life can be a challenging and ongoing process. It can be especially difficult if you are not sure what you are passionate about or what your values are. Here are some steps you can take to help you find purpose in life and thus feel more useful:‍

1. ‍Reflect on Your Values: Identifying your core values can help you clarify what is important to you and guide you in making decisions that align with your values. Spend time thinking about what you truly believe in, what motivates you, and what gives you a sense of meaning and purpose.‍
2. Explore Your Interests: Exploring your interests and passions can help you find activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Try new things and don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. You may discover new hobbies or interests that you never knew existed.‍
3. Identify Your Strengths: Identifying your strengths can help you find a career or activities that you are good at and enjoy doing. Take a strengths assessment or reflect on past experiences where you felt successful and confident.‍
4. Set Goals: Setting achievable goals can help you stay motivated and give you a sense of direction. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable ones and celebrate your progress along the way.‍
5. Give Back: Helping others can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Find ways to volunteer or donate your time to causes that are important to you.

How to Get Help With Feelings of Uselessness

If you're feeling useless, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. However, there are many resources available that can provide support and guidance. Here are some ways you can get help:

Reach Out to a Mental Health Professional: A therapist or counselor can help you identify the underlying causes of your feelings of uselessness and develop coping strategies to manage them. They can also provide a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Join a Support Group: Joining a support group can provide a sense of connection and community with others who are going through similar struggles. You can find support groups online or in your local community.

Talk to a Trusted Friend or Family Member: Sometimes, talking to someone you trust can be helpful in processing your feelings and gaining a new perspective. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement.

Seek Out Resources Online: There are many resources available online, including articles, podcasts, and videos, that can provide guidance and inspiration for finding a sense of purpose and meaning in your life.

Practice Self-care: Taking care of your physical and emotional needs is essential for managing feelings of uselessness. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Challenge Negative Self-talk: Negative self-talk can contribute to feelings of uselessness. Practice recognizing and reframing negative thoughts to more positive and constructive ones.

Conclusion

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's important to take the first step in reaching out for support. Here is a resource for a mental health helpline. By seeking help, you can develop the skills and strategies to manage your feelings of uselessness and find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your life.