Millions of people around the world make New Year’s resolutions. Studies show that the most common goals include eating healthily, exercising more, saving money, and spending more time with family and friends. Improving your health is a common resolution, but often, the focus is on our bodies rather than our minds. Being aware of mental health symptoms and acting on them is beneficial for protecting and boosting mental well-being. In this guide, we’ll outline some signs you shouldn’t ignore in the months ahead and share tips to help you nourish your mind. 

Significant changes in your mood or mindset

Everyone has bad days. We all go through times when everything seems to go wrong, we wake up in a bad mood, or life throws an unexpected curveball. It’s normal to experience highs and lows. What’s worrying is significant changes in your mood and mindset in terms of what’s standard for you. If you suddenly feel incredibly anxious or sad, or you’re struggling to be positive or muster any enthusiasm for things you usually enjoy, it’s important to seek advice. Major shifts in your mood, uncontrollable mood swings, and noticeable changes in how you feel and behave can signify underlying issues. 

Behaviors linked to addiction

Data suggests that over 40 million Americans have a substance use disorder. Changes in your behavior can indicate an addiction to substances, including alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications. You may find that you’re drinking more than usual or that you’re taking drugs as a form of escape or a coping mechanism, for example. Other signs include lying to people close to you, using or taking more to achieve the same effects, experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and taking risks to access or consume drugs or alcohol. Some people also get into debt or find that their relationships suffer. There’s also a risk of making mistakes at work, losing focus, and prioritizing substances over other people, jobs, and social commitments. 

If you notice changes in your behavior, or other people comment, it’s crucial to know that help is available. Whether you know you’ve lost control and you need urgent help, or you’ve just started to notice subtle changes in how you feel and act, you can contact medical professionals and facilities that provide treatments and therapies, such as drug and alcohol rehab services. It’s not easy to reach out and admit that you need guidance and support, but taking that step is a huge leap forward. You can also lean on people close to you if you trust them and you have a support system, or get in touch with local charities and groups. 

Persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness or anxiety

We all get anxious from time to time and experience emotions like sadness and distress, but there’s a difference between being upset and experiencing persistent, prolonged symptoms. If you feel down, worthless, anxious, empty or lost for days or weeks on end, it’s beneficial to talk to somebody. Speak to your doctor, open up to a friend, a family member or your partner, or contact non-profits in your area. Long periods of negative emotions and numbness are symptomatic of depression. Depression is a mental health disorder that requires careful management. It’s not something you can simply shake off or get over. 

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Loss of interest in things that usually make you happy

One of the most obvious signs of mental illness is losing interest in things that usually make you happy or trigger feelings of excitement. From meeting up with friends and planning days out to going to the gym or a weekly art class, if you find that you’re not enthusiastic or that you start to dread doing things with other people or going out, it’s helpful to seek advice. There may be times when you would rather miss a workout or a catch-up with friends to huddle on the sofa, especially during the winter, but if this becomes a pattern, it may mean more. 

Changes in your physical health

Mental health disorders don’t just affect your mind. They can also impact your physical health. Symptoms you may experience if you have a mental illness include changes in your appetite, reduced sleep quality, a lack of libido, low energy levels and fatigue, changes in your heart rate, and increased susceptibility to aches and pains. You may notice an increase or decrease in your body weight, depending on your appetite and you might find it harder to concentrate and relax. It’s important to get physical symptoms checked out. If you leave them untreated and your condition develops, it’s likely they’ll get worse. 

Suicidal thoughts and feelings

In 2023 alone, almost 50,000 people died by suicide in the US. Experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings is a red flag sign that should always be treated as a medical emergency. If you feel like other people would be better off without you, you feel helpless and worthless, you think about how you’re going to end your life, or you feel like you don’t want to live anymore, take urgent action. Try to talk to people close to you, access emergency mental health services, contact charities, or talk to medical professionals who can refer you to specialist departments to get the help you need. 

Deteriorating self-esteem

Studies show that up to 85% of people have low self-esteem globally. There are many reasons for low confidence, including societal pressures, trauma, negative childhood experiences, abuse, toxic relationships, social media, comparing yourself to others, work stress, and financial pressure. If your self-esteem is deteriorating, it’s hugely beneficial to take action. It’s not easy to build confidence and it often takes a long time, but being proactive can make a big difference. Simple steps, such as taking good care of yourself, focusing on positive relationships with friends and family members you trust and love, and being kinder to yourself, can help. It can also be helpful to reduce social media exposure, adjust your settings, and modify the accounts you follow. 

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A new year lies ahead, and what better excuse to prioritize your mental health? If 2026 is the year you put your well-being first, it’s crucial to be aware of warning signs and to ensure you don’t ignore any red flags. Symptoms to look out for include significant changes in your mood or mindset, severe mood swings, behaviors linked to addiction and substance abuse, and persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or worthlessness. Other signs include suicidal thoughts and feelings, a loss of interest in things that usually make you happy or excited, and a decrease in self-esteem and confidence. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s critical to know that help and support are available. Reaching out can help you protect and improve your health and well-being and reduce the risks of more severe illnesses.