Mental Health New Year’s Goals Every LGBTQ+ Person Needs!
This blog mentions suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Hotline at 988, Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860, Trevor Project crisis intervention hotline at 1-866-488-7386, or visit our resource page for support.
It’s time for everyone to set goals for the new year. However, failing to meet your New Year’s resolutions is the norm for most people. But, it is nothing to beat yourself up over. Our resolutions tend to be overly optimistic and inflexible.
Life gets in the way and sometimes a global pandemic happens...RIP to everyone’s 2020 New Year’s resolutions.
Of course, I am not saying you shouldn’t make resolutions. Having goals to strive for can motivate you to keep moving forward when the going gets rough. In fact, setting goals is essential to preserving your mental health.
A hallmark warning sign that someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts is a lack of future plans. Also, a bleak life outlook and lack of motivation are just two signs of depression. That is why having a better, more fulfilling future to strive for can lower your risk of suicide and depression.
Since LGBTQ+ people are at a higher risk of developing these mental health conditions due to the discrimination and stigmatization they face, setting goals is exceptionally important for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Keep reading for examples of helpful goals!
our top 3 mental health New Year’s goals every LGBTQ+ person needs:
1. Exercise your mind.
While we normally associate exercise with physical movement, exercise is also a mental activity. Reading, writing, creating art, learning something, or listening to informative podcasts are all great ways to flex your mind muscles.
Keeping your mind active can reduce your stress levels as well as encourage your body to release endorphins (feel-good chemicals), making you feel happier and more satisfied. Try doing a variety of mental exercises until you find what you enjoy doing!
2. Learn to listen to your body.
Keeping your mind and body on the same page is key to good mental health. Practice checking in with your body daily. This means pausing for a moment and asking yourself “How do I feel, physically?” and “What is my body telling me right now?”.
Maybe you’ll realize you're feeling overworked and that your body needs you to rest. Realizations like that can help prevent burnout, protecting your mind from harm.
3. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.
You know what this means. Block your toxic ex’s number, set boundaries with that one friend, and limit contact with family members that tear you down. Instead, dedicate time to spend with individuals who love you for you and respect your boundaries. If you have no one like that in your life, seek them out. There are a million apps and websites dedicated to connecting you with like-minded people – and no, I don’t only mean dating apps.
If online isn’t your style, put yourself out there by attending LGBTQ-friendly events, becoming a regular at a cafe or bookstore, joining a club, or going to local meetups. Finding your tribe is critical to your mental health. Learn more about the importance of Found Families by reading this blog.
