According to a new survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, More and more American adults are making mental health resolutions a high priority as they enter 2026 with their New Year’s resolution goals or intentions. Mental health resolutions are among the three most-cited resolutions made by U.S. adults, around 38%, while they fell behind fitness (44%) and improving finances (42%). This year, mental health related resolutions have increased by 5% compared to last year. This increase in mental health-related resolutions demonstrates how much more awareness there is today about emotional well-being due to economic uncertainty, current events going on in the world today, and personal stress levels experienced by U.S. adults.
A variety of commonly mentioned Mental Health Resolutions are pursuing therapy, practicing mindfulness, improving sleep habits, and maintaining supportive relationships. Mental health resolutions are most often reported by the age group of young adults (ages 18-29), as 45% identified financial anxiety (59%) and uncertainty about the future (53%) as motivating factors for their decision to establish mental health resolutions. High percentage of parents with children under the age of 18 want to set mental health resolutions to help them effectively manage juggling work and family responsibilities due to high levels of stress.
Many experts are hopeful to see an increase in the number of individuals who will create Mental Health Resolutions in 2026, and the consensus is that individuals can create a habit that lasts for many years to come, by making small, consistent lifestyle changes (such as maintaining a daily journal or checking in with family/friends weekly). In addition, as many mental health apps and other web-based resources (including online support groups and employee assistance programs) will provide free or low-cost therapy sessions to help make fulfilling your 2026 Mental Health Resolution more attainable, they will also support you immediately and in the years to come.
Source: American Psychiatric Association – Mental Health Resolutions Survey
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