Finding Hope When Anxiety Takes the Wheel
Struggling with anxiety? Learn how to find hope, overcome self-doubt, and take back control. Empower yourself with actionable tips to move forward.
In this blog Show
Anxiety is like that over dramatic friend who always assumes the worst. What if everything goes wrong? What if I fail? What if the world is ending, and I didn’t get the memo? Meanwhile, hope is the calm, collected voice saying, “Hey, but what if things actually go right?”
The problem? Anxiety is LOUD. It thrives off uncertainty and worst-case scenarios, convincing you to stay stuck.
Mental health giants like Martha Beck and Catherine Pittman have entire platforms dedicated to anxiety, how it manifests and how we can manage it. We KNOW anxiety is loud, commandeers the stage and wants to be heard.
Hope, on the other hand, tends to whisper. And when your mind is caught in a whirlwind of anxious thoughts, finding hope can feel like searching for sunlight during a storm.
That’s what this blog is all about. We’re going to unpack why anxiety steals your hope, why hope is worth fighting for, and how you can rebuild it one small step at a time.
If anxiety feels like it’s running the show, you don’t have to face it alone. Explore our online anxiety therapy for women for tailored support and strategies to take control.
Why Does Anxiety Steal Hope?
Anxiety is fueled by uncertainty. It tells you that the unknown is dangerous, that failure is inevitable, and that staying in bed forever is safer (tempting, I know). But here’s the truth: anxiety isn’t a fortune teller. The future isn’t written yet, and HOPE is the thing that gives you the power to shape it.
The Loop of Fear and Doubt
Anxiety whispers worst-case scenarios, leaving you paralyzed by fear of what could go wrong. It keeps you in a relentless “what if” loop, overshadowing any possibility of things going right.
Hope is the thing anxiety doesn’t want you to find—because once you do, its grip starts to loosen.
Losing Sight of Resilience
When anxiety takes over, it’s hard to remember your own strength. You forget all the challenges you’ve faced and all the ways you’ve persevered.
If that resonates, hop over to 8 Ways Vision Boards Can Help Ease Your Anxiety for tips on how to reframe and refocus your thoughts.
Why Do We Need Hope?
Hope isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a quiet force that fuels resilience and pushes us forward. It’s what reminds us that even the darkest moments are temporary and that change is always possible.
Unlike anxiety, which freezes you in fear, hope challenges you to take action. It nudges you toward possibilities you might not believe in yet—and trust me, those possibilities are there.
Not convinced? Check out this fantastic video about why we need hope.
Boogie over here to understand the need for hope in podcast form, should your eyes need a break.
For a more in-depth look at reclaiming your peace when anxiety feels overwhelming, check out Feeling Lonely and Anxious? Here’s How to Reclaim Your Peace.
How to Find Hope When Anxiety Is Screaming
You don’t need to go from “everything is terrible!” to “I’m an eternal optimist!” overnight. Finding hope is about small, intentional shifts. Here’s how to get started.
1. Flip the Script on “What Ifs”
Anxiety LOVES the “what if” game, always spinning it negatively, but who says it gets to write the rules?
Flip the script: Ask yourself, “What if things actually go right? What if I exceed my own expectations?” Sure, it might feel silly at first, but each positive “what if” plants a tiny seed of hope.
If you’re going to give space and attention to what could go wrong, the opposite end of that spectrum deserves a little love, too. What if it all goes right?
Check out this Youtube video with Emma McAdam about rewiring the brain to address the WHAT IFS.
2. Look for Proof of Resilience
Think back to every time you thought you wouldn’t make it through something—and yet, here you are. Anxiety wants you to forget that you’ve handled hard things before. Remind yourself of your own strength.
Keep a note in your phone or a shoebox with physical evidence of your achievements, the love others have for you and the effort it took to make moves.
3. Create Small Wins
When everything feels overwhelming, shrink your focus. Take one small step—drink some water, go outside for a minute, text a friend. Small actions remind you that you’re still in control, and each win builds momentum toward hope.
That elephant we talk about in session, the one we contemplate how to eat… one bite at a time, babe.
4. Surround Yourself with Positivity
You are what you consume, sweet thing. What are you feeding your mind? Hope is contagious, and so is negativity.
Pay attention to the news, social media, and conversations in your life. Seek out hopeful voices, heartwarming stories, and people who remind you of the good in the world.
Need more mood-boosting strategies? Pop over to 5 Ways Journaling Can Help Improve Your Anxiety.
5. Separate Feelings from Facts
Here’s the kicker—just because you feel hopeless doesn’t mean you ARE hopeless. Emotions are temporary, Facts? You’ve already survived 100% of your worst moments. That’s evidence of resilience if I’ve EVER seen it.
For Your Practice: Tapping into Hope
If you’re struggling to find hope, you’re not alone. I often turn to the work of Stacey Freedenthal, a clinical social worker and author who focuses on helping people hold onto hope even in their darkest moments. Her work is warm, honest, and backed by research—because sometimes, hope needs a little science to back it up.
Gratitude Practices: Write down or reflect on three small things you’re grateful for today. Practicing gratitude can shift your mindset and build optimism.
Your Hope Chest (Literally or Digitally): Fill a box or phone folder with uplifting messages, inspiring quotes, gorgeous photos, or songs that spark joy. Make it your go-to “hope booster.”
Therapeutic Support: Feeling stuck? Hope can be hard to rebuild alone. My online therapy for women is designed to help you move through challenges with compassion and a dash of Sassy Shrink humor.
Some fantastic resources for hope are here—
Glennon Doyle’s UNTAMED shares about hope while navigating struggle and life’s mess.
Jay Shetty has several published books and is currently doing a speaking tour about purpose and hope.
Motivational monster Tony Robbins has been challenging others to take action with hope and confidence for decades.
And if you’re feeling lost on how to cultivate hope in your own life—let’s talk. You don’t have to do this alone.
The Bottom Line
Anxiety may try to pull you into a future filled with fear, but hope roots you in the possibility of what could go right. The two can coexist. The more you nurture hope–through self-compassion, support, and resilience–the less power anxiety has over your life. There’s that choice again.
While navigating anxiety, zone in on hope, possibility, and a different version of control. Whether it’s reframing your “what ifs,” celebrating small wins, or leaning on therapy for guidance, hope is the thing that keeps you moving forward—even when it feels impossible.
And if you’re struggling to find it? Don’t you dare go it alone. There’s no shame in seeking support. Reach out for a free consultation. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.
Now tell me this… when anxiety is screaming, what’s your go-to strategy for finding hope?
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