Happy New Year! As is true every year throughout December and January, everyone is talking about what their New Year’s Resolutions will be, or what positive changes they will make in their lives over the next twelve months. The most popular resolutions tend to be about physical health, including losing weight, exercising more, and eating healthier. These are great goals, but this year, we think it’s important that you choose at least one resolution that will improve your mental health, as well.

Why is Mental Health Important?

First, we should define what “mental health” is. According to the CDC(opens in a new tab), the term “mental health” refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Along with affecting how we think, feel, and act, mental health also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. It’s also worth knowing that mental health is important at every age, from childhood to adulthood, and can change over time.

Because it affects so many different parts of our lives, including our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, having good mental health is important to living a healthy, balanced life. Good mental health can make responsibilities like work, school, and parenthood easier, and it can also improve our relationships with others. Mental health is also tied to physical health; the CDC also reports that people with depression are at a higher risk for developing various health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, and strokes.

How Does Good Mental Health Affect My Recovery?

There is a very strong connection between substance abuse and poor mental health. Alcohol and drugs are often used to self-medicate when a person has mental health problems, with the individual feeling that this substance abuse can help them cope. However, self-medicating with these substances often worsens the problems the individual is already experiencing, as well as creating new problems.

If poor mental health causes substance abuse, it isn’t hard to see how good mental health can help you avoid substance abuse in the future. For this reason, recovery programs that address a person’s mental health issues while treating their substance abuse are more successful. It’s for this reason that we offer mental health services like individual counseling and group counseling at Recovery Care.

What Should My Mental Health Resolutions Be?

The first tip for making any resolution is to be specific. Just saying “I will improve my mental health” or “I will have a more positive outlook” isn’t enough and will leave you without a concrete goal or plan. So, with that said, make sure you choose a specific goal, like:

• “On the first Sunday of every month, I will do nothing but relax and practice self-care.”
• “I will journal for at least fifteen minutes every day.”
• “I will start going to counseling as often as my counselor suggests.”
• “I will keep a regular sleep schedule, going to bed at ____ and waking up at ____.”
• “I will take time to meditate for ten minutes each day.”
• “I will make time for a hobby, new or old.”

Ultimately, what positive change you want to make in your life is up to you, but remember to make at least one resolution that focuses on bettering your mental health. Your mental health is worth taking care of because you are worth taking care of!

What if I Need Help?

Even if you know exactly what your resolution will be, it may not be easy to achieve on your own or without any outside support. Fortunately, Recovery Care is here to help you with your recovery through this New Year and beyond. We are committed to providing you with compassionate, personalized addiction treatment and to supporting you as you fulfill your goals. Make a positive change this year and reach out to the Recovery Care professionals.

Ready to commit yourself to your New Year’s resolutions? Get started on your list by scheduling an appointment online today with one of Recovery Care’s substance abuse counselors in Jeannette, Pittsburgh, or Somerset PA; as well as Keyser, WV. You can also call (855)-502-2273 for more information.