personal despair

[/ˈpɜːrsənəl dɪˈspeər/]
noun
desespero pessoal
1. a state of complete loss of hope or confidence affecting an individual; profound hopelessness or distress in one's personal circumstances
After losing his job and his marriage falling apart, he sank into personal despair.
Depois de perder seu emprego e seu casamento desabar, ele caiu em desespero pessoal.
2. deep emotional anguish or melancholy experienced by a single person regarding their own life situation
She struggled with personal despair throughout her teenage years.
Ela lutou contra o desespero pessoal durante seus anos de adolescência.
Personal despair is a significant theme in Brazilian literature and music, particularly in the MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) genre. In American culture, discussions of personal despair have become more prominent with mental health awareness movements. Both cultures recognize it as a serious psychological state requiring support and intervention.
NYC Slang
being in a dark place; hitting rock bottom; going through it
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hopelessnessdejectiondespondencyanguishmelancholydesolationgloom
Antonyms / Antônimos
hopeoptimismconfidencejoycontentmentencouragement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
desespero pessoal
standard term used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
desespero pessoal / desânimo pessoal
both forms commonly used; colloquially 'estar numa pior'
São Paulo
desespero pessoal
formal and standard usage
Portugal
desespero pessoal / desalento pessoal
Portuguese variant may use 'desalento' more frequently

Related Words

depressionanxietymental healthemotional distressself-doubtisolationpsychological suffering

Related Idioms & Phrases

at the end of one's rope
hit rock bottom
in the depths of despair
losing hope
falling into darkness
estar nas profundezas do desespero
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