>I’m wondering: What questions or approaches have you used to bring up the topic of the future in a constructive way?

You don't, unless you feel like lying. Because A) people can't even agree on what's the problem and B) the present is pretty bad and nothing about the immediate future suggests it will get better.

Because lies are corrosive and the truth hurts -- just don't bring it up unless the other person does. Ever. Not even in a constructive discussion sense, because that is impossible to make that happen on your own terms. Your attempts to have a civil discussion will only result in more stress and anxiety.

So just don't bring it up. Ever.