I believe that falling into despair is primarily the result of losing one of the cardinal virtues, holy hope. We must never lose hope since what a man hopes for he will strive for, and what he hopes for will dominate what he is, it will dominate his actions because he will strive to fulfill that hope. It is ultimately this gift of hope which drives us to strive for heaven at all times, hence away from all despair.
Pray for an increase of faith, hope and charity, especially holy hope.
