What it means
A state in which a person sees no way forward and stops expecting good things. It is common in depression and after serious losses or illness. A client may say "what's the point," stop taking part in their care, or withdraw from others. Hopelessness is a strong risk factor for suicide.
For the nurse
Take statements of hopelessness seriously and ask directly about thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Help the client set small, reachable goals, and connect them with their support network and mental health care.
In a chart
"Client states, 'Nothing is ever going to get better, so why bother.' Suicide risk screening completed."
At a glance
| Spanish | desesperanza |
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Related terms
suicidal ideation
Thinking about, considering or planning suicide.
mood disorder
A mental health condition in which a person's mood is far lower or higher than usual for a long time.
major depressive disorder
A mental illness in which a person has a low mood or loses interest in almost everything for at least two weeks.