There are many different signs of improving mental health. The way to improve can be done in many different ways. You can process your struggles with a therapist, use different modalities of therapy such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), mindfulness, meditation and other tools. They are all designed to decrease your suffering and help you function to your typical level.

However, how do you know if you are improving? There are several ways to tell.

Signs of Improving Mental Health

You feel better. Your anxiety, depression, relationships, etc. have improved. You are no longer struggling in the same way you were prior to therapy.

Hope

This is huge. When you first came to therapy you may not have thought that you would ever feel better. Or perhaps you had so much going on that you couldn’t see straight or make sense of things. You recognize that you won’t be stuck in the horrible place you started in.

You run out of things to say in therapy

As a therapist, this is always a good sign. It seems as if you are no longer struggling in the same way as when you first come to therapy. In the beginning there is usually so much to say, that the sessions fly by. As you improve, you start to run out of things to talk about.

Decrease in negative self-talk

Most people will say they are their own worst critics. As you are improving your mental health your negative self-talk will decrease. It doesn’t mean that it will go away. However it means that you have learned how to talk back to that negative voice in your head, or you are able to be more compassionate towards yourself. You can recognize that you are human and we all make mistakes. We can always apologize and take responsibility when necessary.

Boundaries for improving mental health

Boundaries are huge with mental health. They keep you safe. Some people will not like it when you set boundaries. Remember they are not to make other people happy. They are to protect you. So that means you are getting better at saying no. You don’t have to do everything people ask you to do, even if you are able to and you have time. Perhaps you need the time to do something for yourself. Or you may even just need some down time to recharge your batteries.

Often time’s people’s behavior will escalate when you set boundaries. They may tell you that you are selfish, try to make you feel guilty or pressure you to say yes. If you do this, you have now taught people that they just need to throw a fit and they will get their way. Anyone who is worth keeping in your life will respect your boundaries.

Personal hygiene improves

Often times people who are struggling don’t shower, take care of their hair or brush their teeth as often as they used to. They may not have the energy to do so.

Another sign of improving mental health is that you are showering, brushing your hair and teeth in the same way you did prior to your depression.

Socialize more for improving mental health

People who are anxious may be afraid to socialize for fear of what people might think of them. They worry about all sorts of things that probably will never happen. Perhaps they fear they will say or do something stupid.

Those who are depressed may not have any desire to leave the house. They may choose to stay in bed or sit around and do nothing.

As you are improving your mental health, you have the desire to socialize again, or you can push yourself to do it.

Enjoy things you have in the past

With depression people often times don’t get enjoyment out of the things they used to. Perhaps you have a hobby you love, work out on a regular basis, play video games or read. These are the things you typically enjoy. As you start doing these you know you are doing better.

Better understand your feelings

Perhaps your feelings make no sense to you, or you tell yourself your feelings were wrong. Feelings are not right or wrong. We all come to our feelings based on what the world has taught us, and this is different for everyone.

As you learn more about yourself, you will better understand your feelings and where they came from.

Increase in energy and motivation

Those with depression lack motivation and energy. They may not want to do anything or choose to stay in bed. They may waste the day away. Those who are struggling may not have the energy to take care of themselves such as cook, clean or do wash. Another sign of improving mental health is that you start doing these things again.

We all know that life is hard at times. Have faith that things will improve. Therapy is a great way to get you moving forward to live the life that you want. Give me a call at 713-304-6554 if you need some help.

Take care,

Debbie Grammas