Prioritize Your Mental Health as a New Year's Resolution
Published:
Dec 30, 2024
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03:15 p.m.
ET
Key Points
The U.S. is experiencing a collective mental health crisis.
23% of individuals suffered from mental health problems in 2023.
Most mental health issues are left undiagnosed or untreated.
Prioritizing your mental health is one of the best things you can do for your emotional health and well-being.
Most New Year’s resolutions focus on exercise or diet. However, one of the best resolutions you can make is prioritizing your mental health. Some individuals feel stressed out after the holiday season. Others might struggle with the uncertainty of the year ahead.
This can lead to anxiety and depression. Thankfully, there are ways to prioritize your mental health. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all goal. Your resolution should be personalized to your needs. This guide will explain the importance of prioritizing your mental health. You’ll also learn tips for creating a resolution you want to try.
Why prioritizing mental health is a worthy endeavor this year
Making your mental health a priority improves every aspect of your life. According to SAMSHA, it increases productivity, improves relationships, and reduces financial problems or unemployment risks. You’ll also experience a reduced risk of suicide or substance abuse.
Prioritizing your mental health is a worthy endeavor because it makes you feel better overall, according to the Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging. You might notice that you want to spend more time with your friends and family. Or, you’ll want to take up a new hobby or interest.
The mental health crisis is at an all-time high. Twenty-three percent of U.S. adults have struggled with mental health issues in the past year, reports the National Institute of Mental Health. In addition, adults aged 18-25 were at the highest risk for mental illness. This same study showed that women are more likely to suffer from mental health problems compared to men.
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health problems. According to KFF, the recent trends found an increased risk in suicide rates.
What’s more concerning is that some individuals aren’t receiving mental health treatment. This can worsen mental health symptoms. Taking care of your emotional and mental health is the key to overall health.
Mental Health tips for the new year
Practice Self-Awareness
The best way to begin is to cultivate self-awareness. Most people feel pressured to meet their New Year’s resolutions, which leads them to set high goals that are hard to achieve. Instead, you should prioritize your needs. Decide what you need to focus on. Is it preventing anxiety or tackling depression?
Determine which mental health practices will help. As always, consult a doctor about taking prescription medication. Don’t make decisions on a whim. Instead, connect with your wise mind and determine if it’s the right therapy.
Set Boundaries
Identify which boundaries you should set. For example, that might mean limiting your time with friends or family. Only invest in relationships that nourish you rather than drain you. Setting boundaries allows you to become aware of your needs. It offers the energy and nourishment you need after a busy holiday.
Be sober curious
Sober curious is a new trend where young adults abstain from alcohol, reports Very Well Mind. Alcohol can cause impulsivity, lower inhibitions, and numb painful or uncomfortable feelings. It can also hide problems and become a crutch.
According to the Alcohol Rehab Guide, ongoing use can develop into an alcohol use disorder, which increases anxiety and depression. You might notice any issues you could have with alcohol. You can limit how much you drink or choose to embark on a sober lifestyle.
Take a social media break
Studies have shown the harmful effects of social media on mental health. In 2025, the best thing you can do is take a social media break. If that’s difficult, you can set time limits for how much you spend on social media.
Alternatively, you can take social media “vacations” or “retreats,” where you go off the grid for a day or an entire weekend. You can read a good book, watch a movie, or practice mindfulness during this time. Another way to spend less time on social media is to take frequent breaks from platforms or deactivate accounts altogether.
Nourish your relationships
Humans still need one another. Don't bottle these feelings if you feel sad, lonely, or anxious. You’ll notice you’re not alone in your feelings when interacting with your friends and family.
Check-in with your friends and family members. Reciprocate the favor when they check in with you. Nourish your relationships by spending time with them and connecting with them.
The Jed Foundation reports that the new year is also a good time to meet new people. Join a club, volunteer, or take up a new activity. Connecting with others expands your horizons and inner circle.
Deciding if seeing a mental health counselor is right for you
A mental health counselor might be the right option if you’re struggling with challenges or looking for support. First, finding a mental health counselor knowledgeable in the area you want to focus on is essential.
You might find that you need help with anxiety, stress, or depression. Or, maybe you need help with trauma, relationships, or addictions. A mental health counselor should be licensed and certified in diagnosing and treating your condition.
What can mental health counselors help treat?
A mental health counselor works alongside a psychiatrist or doctor. Together, they offer an individual an individualized form of treatment. Mental health counselors provide various types of psychotherapy:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychotherapy that helps individuals improve their mental health by uncovering their negative thoughts, behaviors, and belief patterns.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another form of psychotherapy that helps individuals improve their relationships and social interactions, which improves their mental health symptoms.
Psychodynamic therapy helps individuals explore their unconscious emotions, feelings, memories, and thoughts to understand how they negatively impact their behavior and lifestyle.
Depending on their licensing and credentials, they can treat behavioral addictions, mental health illnesses, and substance use disorders. Mental health counselors commonly treat co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression. Depending on the severity of the mental health problem, they can work with individuals or groups or with families and couples.
Deciding between virtual and in-person therapy
You might wonder whether you need virtual or in-person therapy. This can depend on your personal goals and preferences. Virtual therapy is ideal for individuals who want an affordable form of treatment. It can also increase accessibility for those who live in small towns or remote areas.
In-person counseling also has its benefits. It offers individuals a one-on-one connection with a mental health counselor. You might find you can articulate and express yourself more than in a virtual setting. You can also pick up any non-verbal cues from the counselor—and vice versa.
Birches Health offers virtual therapy, which includes evidence-based practices such as CBT and mindfulness. This is an accessible and affordable form of mental health care. Counseling is personalized to an individual’s needs. Licensed clinicians are knowledgeable in various aspects of mental health care, including behavioral disorders.
Your mental health journey can get started with one of the following steps with Birches:
You can also just call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches team right away.
