10 Reasons You Should Be Here

If you’re looking for reasons to live, we see you. Our team is just a text away—you can text HOPELINE™ to 741741 for help right now. You’ll receive two automated messages first, and then a trained Crisis Counselor, a real human, will join the chat to listen. We’ve also written this article to share 10 reasons not to die. 10 reasons to wake up in the morning and keep trying every day. 10 reasons to not give up.

1| A Seriously Good Song

Have you ever gotten a tingly feeling from an awesome song? Some people describe it as goosebumps or chills—and there's even a scientific name for it: frisson . Scientists say about 50% of people experience frisson, but even if you’re not one of them, music still holds a lot of feel-good power. A song written by a stranger can feel like it was written just for you. A powerful ballad can inspire you to explore your feelings. A good beat can make you dance or sing. So, turn up the volume and try out a few of our favorite “feel-better” tunes.

• Anxiety by Doechii
• I Feel Better by Gotye
• Treat People with Kindness by Harry Styles
• To Noise Making (Sing) by Hozier
• Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap
• Fool for Love by Lord Huron
• Bejeweled by Taylor Swift
• the sun is shining somewhere by Moncrieff
• Crazy by Gnarls Barkley
• my future by Billie Eilish

2| Cute Animals at the Park

There are many reasons to live at your local park—and many of them have four legs. Find a comfortable place to sit and watch. Look for fluffy squirrels and bunnies, pretty birds, and cute dogs. Watch them experience the world. When they take a deep breath in, do the same yourself. What do you smell? Let all the adorable animals and fresh air help you find your center and, hopefully, a little comfort.

3| Rain on the Roof

Some people say rainy days are depressing, but we invite you to see them differently. Focus on the pitter-patter of raindrops on your roof. Open a window and breathe in—that fresh rain smell is like nothing else. When rain brings thunder, let the sound roll over you. And when the storm passes, head outside and look for a rainbow. Observe how rain sparkles on the grass. Look for plants and flowers that will use all that rain to grow big and beautiful.

4| A Warm Beverage

Warm, cozy beverages like tea are often said to be calming, and there’s science behind that. Healthline suggests that drinking tea can have mood-boosting effects, including increased mental clarity and relaxation. We love lavender tea in particular, mostly because it smells amazing, but also because lavender is widely used in aromatherapy to help with anxiety, depression, and fatigue. The next time you’re feeling down or hopeless, pick out your favorite mug and have some lavender tea with honey. If lavender isn’t your thing, chamomile and peppermint are also good choices.

5| The Possibility of a New Favorite Movie

When you first saw your current favorite movie, did it feel like your brain chemistry was being rewired? Did it become a big part of your personality? Us, too! The cool thing is that there are thousands of movies you haven’t seen yet. Ones that will make you feel seen and understood. Ones that will bring you into a new world you didn’t know existed. Others that will give you hope and some that might make you cry—in a good way that feels like release. Check out Rotten Tomatoes’ 150 Great Feel-Good Movies to Stream Now.

6| Blank Paper

Journaling can be an effective mental health tool. As Calm says, it can be therapeutic, allowing you to express your thoughts and feelings, leading to increased self-awareness, emotional release, and stress reduction. Journaling can also help you identify and process emotions, track triggers and improve your responses to them, and nurture positive self-talk. But if you’d rather not write, just doodle. Use a pen in your favorite color. Find some fun stickers and use them to decorate your notebook. Blank paper, no matter what you use it for, is just another way to describe lots of room for possibilities.

7| You Can Read

It might sound silly, but just the fact that you’re here, reading this, is a reason not to die. You can read what others have written. There are thousands of books at your local library and bookstore (and millions for sale online) just waiting for you to turn the page. Books can be an effective escape from daily worries, or even help you deal with those daily worries. Through books, you can research topics you find interesting or find new hobbies.

8| There Are Cool People You Haven’t Met Yet

You don’t need a huge circle or a packed social calendar to feel connected. Sometimes, it just takes one person who really gets you. A future coworker, neighbor, or a family member you aren’t currently close with—someone who might become a steady presence in your life. You haven’t met everyone who will care about you yet, and some of the most meaningful connections can come from quiet, unexpected places. Life has a way of introducing important people at the right time, though it might not happen right away.

9| A Nice Blanket

The right blanket can feel like a soft, quiet kind of safety. For some, it’s a weighted blanket that helps calm a busy mind. For others, it’s something light and breathable that doesn’t overwhelm the senses. Whether you wrap yourself up completely or just keep it nearby, a good blanket can offer comfort without needing anything in return. It’s a simple, steady kind of support. It’s there when you need it.

10| Tomorrow Might Feel Different

When you're in a dark place, it can feel like things will never get better. Like this pain is permanent. But feelings can change, even if it doesn’t seem possible right now. You might still feel awful tomorrow, or you might feel a tiny bit better. Maybe you’ll have a little more energy. Maybe something small will make you smile. You don’t have to be excited about tomorrow, though—just know there’s a chance it might not feel exactly like today.

Let Us Help You Find Reasons to Live

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or just need someone to talk to, you don’t have to face it alone. Text HOPELINE™ to 741741 —you’ll receive two quick automated messages, and then you’ll be connected with a trained Crisis Counselor who’s ready to listen, support you, and help you figure out your next step. Check out this helpful article: Reasons Why You Might Feel Hopeless—and How to Cope.