Struggling to Find Purpose in Life – 3 Things to Know

This blog is for those struggling to find purpose in life – 3 things to know. You’re likely reading this because you’re not sure what you’re here for. While you joke that you were brought into this world against your will, you partially mean it. At times, you may find yourself internally panicking over what your future holds. 

 

No matter your age, this is a common experience. Teens feel the pressure of beginning the ascent into their career path. Young adults feel that they’re not doing enough to get to where they want to be. Adults feel regret, that they aren’t living the life they want for themselves. It’s common to feel lost, aimless, and even hopeless. 

 

Struggling to find purpose in life is a rollercoaster experience. Some days, you feel content with where you are. Everything is okay, and you’re moving forward (yay!). Other days, you don’t know what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what you want. It’s easier said than done that you can change the course of your life anytime you want. 

 

Individual therapy in Simi Valley, CA specializes in working with people feeling lost in life. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, or trauma, consider reaching out to a Simi Valley therapist. We’re here to support you to become the person you want to be. 

 

Avoid spiraling into negativity – rework your thought processes

Do you notice a tendency to spiral about every aspect of your life? Relationships, work, family, identity, and more? Do you frequently feel that you’re not living your authentic life, and experience a mix of emotions around that? This includes shame, guilt, frustration, defeat, and apathy. 

 

It’s true that we may not even realize when we’re in a negative thought spiral. It can be so easy for us to continue tacking on things we aren’t happy with. I haven’t done this yet, I never finished this, I should’ve done this… It’s a consuming and exhausting process.

 

Where does this spiraling come from? How can I stop myself from spiraling? What if what I’m thinking about myself is true? Let’s explore a few ways you can understand and take control over it:

 

Managing anxiety in therapy 

Building awareness of when you’re starting to spiral, or are mid-spiral, takes practice. Throughout the day, little things start to mentally pile up. You begin worrying about your future, how you’re going to make goals happen, and doubt yourself. The anxiety is overwhelming, and shutting it out feels more relieving. 

 

In therapy for anxiety, you can really explore the root cause around anxiety. For example, expectations of us from our past can be so deeply ingrained, and it’s hard for us to connect the dots. You’re nervously trying to navigate the next steps or solutions, but are operating in a dysregulated format. 

 

Make sure to read our blog on Signs to Start Anxiety Therapy. By working with an anxiety therapist in Simi Valley, you can experience relief from your symptoms. 

 

Starting therapy for depression 

Struggling with hopelessness for the future can be a key indicator of depression. You don’t see a point in trying, and essentially feel like accepting defeat is the only option. There is already a lack of interest in what you once loved, and nothing presently brings you joy or interest. Depression, when left untreated, can be very difficult to cope with. 

 

You may feel intense shame for not pursuing something. The shame keeps you stuck in a cycle of not feeling good enough, or worthy enough, to keep going. It’s an intense cycle that generates harmful lies your brain is repeating to itself. 

 

In therapy for depression, you can work to take control over your depression. By working with a therapist in Simi Valley for depression, you can achieve a variety of goals.

 

Starting therapy for trauma 

When we think about trauma as a concept, our minds may think of childhood trauma, like abuse or neglect. It’s possible that we may think about abusive relationships with romantic partners. One can develop trauma from a number of situations or experiences. It’s possible that you may be struggling with symptoms of trauma – and not realize it.

 

Symptoms of trauma can interfere with our daily lives. You may be hyperaware of your surroundings, or even avoid certain areas. Intrusive, unpleasant memories may come and go, leaving you in a state of distress. You may struggle with anger, frustration, or a sense of injustice of what you’ve been through. 

 

When you start therapy for trauma, you can begin learning more about your trauma responses. It’s important that you address trauma in a setting with a professional who is trauma-informed. At New Leaf, our Simi Valley therapists are specialized in assessing and treating trauma. Click here to read about how we navigate processing trauma in therapy.

 

Starting therapy for grief

We can experience grief for a number of reasons. A common reason for experiencing grief is when we lose someone we love and cherish. Their absence can leave a gaping hole in your heart, and everyday feels like a whirlwind of emotions. One day, you feel motivated to do this for them. The next, you don’t want to start this journey without them. 

 

You can experience grief from losing a job, starting a new journey, or missing out on an opportunity. A relationship may have ended, or you are separated from your family. It can all be hard to cope with and process alone. Seeking out support can be relieving and insightful. 

 

In therapy for grief, you will work with a therapist who genuinely cares. They want to hear your story, hold space, and provide gentle guidance. Struggling with grief is hard, and can be debilitating for your life. Consider reaching out for grief therapy in Simi Valley to begin healing today.

 

It may take time to get to where you want to be – but the time will pass anyway

You may feel like you’re too far behind to begin working towards your goals. It’ll take 3, 5, 10 years to get to where you want to be. Thinking about going back to school, learning something from scratch, or moving somewhere else is scary. There are so many “what-ifs”, and it feels out of your comfort zone. 

 

However, those 3, 5, and 10 years will pass – whether you do something during that time or not. Looking ahead into your future, it can feel like a big commitment. What if it ends up not being the right path for me? That’s the beauty of free will. You are never too old to look in a new direction and try again. 

 

Thinking about venturing onto a new path can feel overwhelming. There may be many steps to take, or years to hone your new skills. You may feel skeptical about returning to school, or learning something that others your age are already familiar with. But – time will continue to pass, whether you decide to act or not. Why not start now?

 

Life can feel like a never-ending competition. It’s true that everyone moves at their own pace, and it is not a race. When we can intentionally act in our lives, we can feel a sense of control and contentment with our actions. 

 

I commend you for having the courage to even consider exploring new opportunities for yourself. In today’s world, it can feel scary, de-motivating, or even impossible. It’s important that you are connected with support; not just from others, but from within yourself. 

 

Therapy in Simi Valley, CA provides you with a supportive, confidential space. You can feel relief knowing that your therapist is there to support you and your dreams. Consider reading our blog for your First Time in Therapy: What to Expect.

 

It’s never too late to learn new things and evolve as a person

There are several reasons to continue learning new things as you age. Perhaps you were not fond of school as a kid, and learning is the last thing you want to do. However, learning is good for our neuro-health, through a process called neuroplasticity. Learning new things strengthens the connection between your neurons and creates new neural pathways, according to 42agile. 

 

You can also experience enhanced cognitive functioning, improving skills such as memory, attention, and problem solving, according to NPR. Learning new skills or materials helps keep your brain active and engaged. Neuroplasticity also allows you to change negative thought patterns and beliefs.

 

Where can you create new neural pathways? In therapy of course! You may be coming into therapy with a harsh inner voice. Negative beliefs about yourself are constantly on your mind, leaving you feeling defeated. However, you’re wanting to take control over them, and start speaking to yourself differently. 

 

Changing your inner dialogue doesn’t happen overnight, and takes conscious awareness throughout the day. You can become better aware of negative inner-discourse, and stop it in its tracks. From there, you can begin focusing on positive thought patterns or beliefs. This is a great skill to develop with a Simi Valley therapist!

 

Aside from the benefits of continued learning for your brain, it’s good for your own well-being. 

 

Perhaps you’re interested in a new hobby you’ve never done before. You want to try a new activity or sport, learn how to cook better, or garden. You’re interested in nature, sports, community, or personal self-growth. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you’re demonstrating hope and belief in yourself. Even if one new thing isn’t the right fit, there is one out there for you. 

 

Consider reading our blog on how Therapy is an Investment. It’s an investment into your present and your future. You can heal from the past, cope with the present, and feel confident about your future. Looking for information on starting individual therapy near Simi Valley? Click here.

 

If you’re struggling to find purpose in life, know that this is a common belief held by many. You don’t have to struggle alone, and endure the mental distress any longer.

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today! This blog was on Struggling to Find Purpose in Life – 3 Things to Know. Let us know if it was helpful.

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, BIPOC therapy, teen therapy, individual therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.