New Year’s resolutions are part of the popular discourse around the holiday season. People resolve to do any number of things like lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier, or use technology less. Some people even make New Year’s resolutions related to their mental health. Doing so can be a great idea, as focusing on your mental health should be prioritized just like any other aspect of self-care. The problem is that less than half of the New Year’s resolutions Americans make every year last even six months. Making a resolution that fails can be worse than not making one in the first place. An unfulfilled New Year’s resolution may cause a setback when it comes to mental health. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set a New Year’s resolution related to mental health. It just means it should be thoughtful and carefully considered.
One of the most popular methods of improving mental health is deciding to get treatment. Contact South Tampa Psychiatry at 866.273.5017 to learn about our anxiety or depression disorder treatment programs or how we can support your New Year’s resolutions surrounding your mental health.
Setting Realistic New Year’s Resolutions Related to Mental Health
Keeping your goals realistic and actionable can go a long way to making sure you carry your resolution through the new year. Consider adopting one of the following resolutions that resonate most with you. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care looks different for each individual. But you likely know the activities or pastimes that bring you joy and energy. Maybe that’s a nature walk, listening to music, or journaling. If you are someone who struggles to fit things into your routine, consider scheduling the activity, at least at first. Making it a part of your weekly calendar gives the activity weight. Another self-care option could be to attend therapy. Whether or not you suffer from one of the many depression disorders, therapy could be incredibly beneficial.
Prioritize Sleep
Most people who struggle with depression disorders also deal with sleep problems. Even small changes can make a difference. Try shifting your schedule to give yourself just 30 minutes extra sleep per night. You can add more over time.
Limit Technology Use
Spending too much time in front of screens may lead to worse sleep, less meaningful relationships, and even mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. The answer to poor sleep or depression is never to spend more time with screens. It may be helpful to commit to using technology less and replace its absence with something healthier that you enjoy. For instance, you could couple this type of New Year’s resolution with prioritizing self-care by carving out a no-phone hour every day. You can use that hour to take a walk, be creative, or meditate.
Learn More About Mental Health
Dealing with your mental health can be easy when you better understand it. Numerous blogs, online resources, and books help people understand mental health and how to best support themselves individually. You may also try taking advantage of mental health treatment. Another option is to take a formal Mental Health First Aid course, which educates people on identifying and responding to the signs of mental health issues. This could have a dual benefit in that it better equips you to care for yourself while also giving you the tools to serve those around you better when they struggle.
Seek Mental Health Treatment at South Tampa Psychiatry
Maybe it’s time for more drastic measures. Perhaps you’ve spent years working on your mental health without seeing a lot of progress. This time around, your New Year’s resolution could be to seek professional mental health treatment. Many high-quality, cost-effective treatment options exist. These include:
- Therapy
- Medications
- Mental health support groups
- Inpatient care
The best first step may be simply scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician and asking about mental health treatment. They will offer guidance and make referrals to mental health professionals to get you the support you need. New Year’s Day can be an exciting time to make this option a possibility. Call 866.273.5017 to find out what kind of mental health treatment is best suited for where you are as the New Year approaches.
