New Year’s Resolutions for people living with serious mental illness
Making resolutions can be a fun and productive New Year’s activity. These informal goals are particularly useful for Amber Lantern residents who are working to improve their lives. We asked a few of them if they had resolutions and the responses were a fun mix of personal and professional goals.
“Work on anger management issues and learn to better cope with stress”
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“Work on weight loss goals”
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“Travel and go to more concerts”
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“Be able to be more independent and become a better cook”
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“Work harder and get a promotion at work”
If you are looking for inspiration for your own mental health focused New Year’s resolutions here are a few tips!
Prioritize Self-Care
Set aside time each day for activities that promote mental and physical well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.Establish a Routine
Create a daily schedule that includes time for work, rest, and leisure activities to provide structure and stability.Set Achievable Goals
Identify and set realistic, attainable goals for personal growth, whether related to career, education, or personal interests.Limit Social Media Use
Reduce time spent on social media to avoid triggers and negative comparisons, opting for more positive and fulfilling interactions.Communicate Needs
Learn to express feelings and needs more openly with trusted individuals, whether in therapy or personal relationships.Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Identify and practice healthy ways to cope with stress and emotional pain, such as art, exercise, or talking to a friend.Limit Alcohol and Substance Use
Aim to reduce or eliminate the use of substances that may exacerbate mental health symptoms or interfere with treatment.Commit to Medication Management
Ensure consistency in taking prescribed medications and communicate openly with healthcare providers about any concerns or side effects.Volunteer or Help Others
Get involved in community service or volunteer opportunities, which can enhance self-worth and foster a sense of connection.Practice Gratitude
Keep a gratitude journal to reflect on positive experiences or accomplishments, promoting a more optimistic outlook.
Amber Lantern and Goal Setting
Fundamentally our job at Amber Lantern is to help our clients living with serious mental illness to set and achieve their recovery and personal growth goals. Among San Antonio based providers of Supervised Living facilities for people with SMIs we have been very successful in achieving this objective. Many of our clients go on to live independently and find competitive employment opportunities in the community. The work that we do every day is truly life changing and the results that we see for our residents motivate our team to keep it up every single day.
If you, a client, or a loved one could benefit from our programs please do not hesitate to contact us!