Education Mental Health

Keeping motivated in your mental health recovery

mental health

mental health

Mental health difficulties are something many of us struggle with during our lives and the stigma that was once attached to them has almost disappeared in recent years, particularly after the pandemic. The Mental Health Foundation found that almost 20% of young people showed signs of depression in 2014 and there were almost 10 million cases of anxiety. That was almost a decade ago and we can all see that things today are much worse.

One thing that has improved, however, is access to therapy and other tools that can help people of all ages cope with their mental health problems without judgement. While therapy can be a vital component of your recovery, however, the work shouldn’t stop outside of your sessions.

Mental health recovery is a constant journey that can be challenging at times. It requires persistence, resilience, and a lot of effort to maintain the progress that has been made. Motivation is essential in helping individuals stay focused on their goals and committed to their treatment plans. 

Here are a few ways to help stay motivated and build a healthier mindset for your future.

Set Realistic Goals

Goals that are too difficult to achieve or too far-fetched can be discouraging, leading to a lack of motivation. So set achievable goals that are within your reach. Start small and gradually increase your goals as you make progress and gradually ramp up the ambition of your goals as you go.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care activities can include exercise, mindfulness, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies. It is important to make time for self-care activities to help reduce stress, improve mood, and maintain motivation. Make your home space more encouraging by creating personalised, encouraging posters to hang on your walls and keep you inspired and remind yourself that you’re surviving and try to get a full 8 hours of sleep every night. It’s these little things that will really help make the difference on your road to recovery.

Celebrate the Small Wins

It is important to acknowledge the challenges and difficulties that come with mental health recovery, but it is equally important to focus on the progress you have made and the positive aspects of your recovery journey. Recognising and celebrating the progress you have made, no matter how small, can be a powerful motivator. Celebrating small wins can boost your confidence and give you the motivation to continue working towards your goals. So even if you’ve just managed to get out of bed today, walk to the shops or stop yourself from pouring a whisky, celebrate it! 

Find a Support System

A support system can be family, friends, or even a therapist. They can provide encouragement, support, and help keep you accountable. It is essential to have people who understand what you are going through and can help you navigate the challenges of mental health recovery.

Take Regular Breaks

Mental health recovery can be exhausting, and taking time to rest and recharge can help prevent burnout. Taking breaks can also help you come back to your recovery with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. So, make time for yourself every day to sit back with a cup of tea and just let your mind wander. Read a book, play a video game and watch TV. Go for a walk. Be yourself for a while!

Recovering from mental illness is by no means an easy process and is not uncommon to feel unmotivated at times. It is important to know that recovery involves good days and bad days and it’s knowing how to combat your difficult times that will make you stronger in the long run. Be patient with yourself, trust the process and celebrate the small victories along the way.