Hope is needed for our mental and physical health, for survival of our communities and life in general.
This is the opinion of Wedge Garden rehab centre social worker Karen Griessel.
“The definition of hope will have different meanings depending on the person. In the spiritual context, it means believing good things will happen with faith in a higher power and prayer is the instrument of hope. For others, it might mean always looking on the bright side of life and seeing challenges as opportunities by literally hoping for the best.
“Whatever the details, hope in general means a desire for things to change for the better and it is essential that we cultivate this type of thinking in these COVID-19 times because hope decreases stress and negativity by altering perception and outlook, decreasing powerlessness and improves a person’s coping ability.
“This ultimately enables us to carry on, despite the hardships we face. Hope is especially important in recovery from substance abuse because the adversities and challenges can feel overwhelming.
“Hope enables people undergoing treatment to face the realities of the consequences of their actions in active addiction. It also better enables the person to deal with life on life’s terms,” says Karen.
She shares the following quote from Thich Nhat Hanh: “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear the hardships today.”
SANCA Wedge Gardens is a professional rehab centre in Johannesburg. Visit www.wedgegardens.co.za for more information of the services offered or phone 010 534 6596.