American’s are entering into 2026 with a changing mindset towards mental health. According to a study done by The American Psychiatric Association (APA), over 1/3rd of American’s (38%) plan on making at least 1 New Year’s resolution that pertaining to mental health, signaling a cultural shift towards putting importance on the emotional aspect of ourselves as equally if not more important than everything else. Individuals are now beginning to make their wellness goals for 2026 include behavioral change (i.e. therapy, sleep quality, boundaries, open communication) than just physical goals (i.e. weight loss, career goal).
As we look to the most common mental health resolutions for 2026, 40% plan to reduce their stress level, 30% want improve their sleep, 28% will establish healthier work/life boundaries, and 24% hope to strengthen the quality of their relationships by spending quality time with friends and family. Additionally, 22% of individuals wish they would make time for checking in on their loved ones and take breaks from using social media when it negatively affects their mood. For others, mental health resolutions will be more about seeking professional help (i.e. making that first appointment for therapy) that has been procrastinated over the years.
Based on the APA’s Stress in America 2025 report (i.e. a survey that has consistently been conducted on how American’s feel about their personal and work lives) researchers believe that these mental health resolutions represent a “crisis of connection” in America – referring to the increasing feeling of loneliness and disconnection from others and wanting authentic and supportive relationships. By making mental health resolutions that are measurable and manageable, individuals are able to begin small steps toward feeling more grounded (i.e. walking with a friend every week).
Developing mental health targets is essential for everyone! A good way to enhance your mental wellness is by developing a new year’s resolution, but your goals should be both achievable and compassionate. If you were to decide that you would NEVER experience any level of anxiety in 2023, that would NOT be an achievable resolution; however, consider resolving to learn how to cope with your anxiety, seek assistance when feeling anxious, or put a restriction in place to turn your phone off at a certain time each night (for example, 10pm). Many families could also develop joint mental health resolutions, such as having a family meeting once a month or enjoying regular dinner evenings with no cell phones present.
Many Americans continue to face barriers in accessing affordable and timely quality mental health care, despite an increase in the number of mental health-related resolutions. Because these Americans are unable to access reliable care, the majority of them will have difficulty fulfilling their resolutions. Advocates in the area of mental health are working on changing the laws to enable people to have the ability to fulfil their mental health resolutions, through improved choices for insurance coverage, community services and protections in the workplace.
Moreover, the increase in mental health resolutions signifies that, more and more Americans are beginning to discuss openly mental health, and the importance of maintaining their mental well-being. This type of acknowledgment regarding mental health suggests that we are progressing into a time when we will be more honest about our mental health and will ultimately have a caring and healthy 2026.
Source: American Psychiatric Association survey on 2026
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