Get off the internet and video games. Stop watching, reading and playing games that suggest suicide is the solution to your problems.
Get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. When our children were young and fussy and agitated, it helped to get them out of the house and find a change of scenery. Just a walk around the block or time at the park helped to change their attitude and perspective.
Spend time with other people. Isolation can contribute to a negative outlook. We are social creatures. It is not healthy to be alone all of the time. Don’t sit in front of the TV or computer screen all day. Take the initiative and spend time with other people. Attend a church near you. Join a club that offers things you enjoy. Enroll in some classes at a local community college.
Find a place to serve in your community. Volunteer at a local school, hospital or church. Use your skills and experience to help other teens and adults. There is something therapeutic about helping people. It changes the focus from your problems to focusing on the needs of other people who need help and encouragement.
Get help from a mental health professional. You may have a chemical imbalance that needs to be addressed by a medical doctor. Don’t try to solve your problems by yourself. Many others have walked the path that you are walking. Help is available. You just need to make a call and ask for help. Open a Bible and read some of the passages in the book of Psalms and see how God helped people face discouragement and despair.
There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Bear one another’s burdens and you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Let me encourage you to reach out to those around you who may be struggling with negative thoughts and feelings. Don’t stand by and do nothing. Make a call, send a card, extend a helping hand or listening ear. You will be glad you did and they will too.
You can read 365 more stories (one for every day of the year) by the author in his book, Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. Purchase one copy for $20 or two copes for $30. Buy one for yourself and one to share with a friend. Order your books today at markh@efreedb.org.
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 
As always – great advice! Thank you Mark.
On Wed, Jan 19, 2022 at 5:48 PM Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper wrote:
> markhopperdb posted: ” Many young people and adults are experiencing > discouragement and despair during the ongoing Covid19 pandemic. Many are > struggling with their mental health without any hope for the future. Some > teens and adults have taken their own life. I believe there a” >
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