When to Seek More Guidance
Exploring your purpose is a wonderful journey, but sometimes we can feel profoundly stuck or overwhelmed. While it’s normal to feel uncertain or a little down at times, certain signs suggest that speaking with a professional could be a helpful and supportive next step.
Consider reaching out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or your doctor if you experience a persistent sense of hopelessness that doesn’t lift, significant changes in your sleep or appetite, a complete loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, or feelings of being completely isolated and without support. If your search for meaning feels overshadowed by unresolved grief or difficult family dynamics, professional guidance can provide a safe space to process those feelings.
It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to ask for help. A good therapist can provide tools and strategies tailored to your unique situation, helping you navigate this life transition with greater clarity and resilience.
For general mental health information, you can visit the websites of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Healthy aging resources are available from the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
If you are in crisis or emotional distress, please seek immediate help. You can find crisis and support resources via SAMHSA and by contacting or visiting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States. Readers outside the U.S. should check for local equivalent services. For support related to relationship abuse, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
