New year, new me?: How New Year’s resolutions can lead to anxiety and depression

New year, new me?: How New Year’s resolutions can lead to anxiety and depression 

People tend to come up with new goals with the intent of “turning over a new leaf” each year.

However, according to Licensed Professional Counselor Dr. Teri Hall, those goals can lead to anxiety and depression.

“People get stressed out trying to stick to those resolutions,” Hall said. “They feel like they have to be better than the year before.”

Hall added it is human nature to be growth-oriented, and that it is also a positive thing. However, there is a certain way to go about doing it to avoid potential anxiety and depression associated with reaching those goals. 

Setting realistic goals, pacing oneself and prioritizing certain goals over others are the three main aspects of effective goal setting for Hall. 

“I think, sometimes, people try to change a bunch of things at one time, and that’s how the stress of not sticking to it comes about,” Hall said. 

What’s more, anxiety and depression associated with achievement can serve as a deterrent when in pursuit of growth. 

“If we aren’t in the best mental state, it’s going to be hard to reach those goals,” Hall said. 

Regardless of the specific goals one is setting for themselves, it is important to remember the solutions that exist for negative mental health symptoms, according to Hall. 

Those solutions are what will help one continue their personal growth journey and truly bring the phrase “new year, new me” to fruition. 

“Anxiety is real, depression is real and stress is real,” Hall said. “To combat some of those things, we need to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually.”